Description

George III. 1760-1820. Silver Medal 1801, 19.27 g. Battle of Copenhagen. By D. F. or F. W. Loos. Justice seated, receiving sword from soldier standing right. GUD OG DEN RETFÆRDIGE SAG. Rv. Soldier standing, fighting British Hydra. FIENDENS OVERMAGT TILBAGEDREVEN. In exergue: KIØBENHAVN D . 2 APRIL 1801. Plain edge. 39.3 mm. Sommer A 81. Bramsen 2157. Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. Kleine Randfehler / Minor edge flaws.

From the auction Emporium Hamburg, Hamburg, May 1987, lot 1783.

The Battle of Copenhagen of 1801, also known as the First Battle of Copenhagen to distinguish it from the Second Battle of Copenhagen in 1807, was a naval battle in which a British fleet fought and defeated a smaller force of the Dano-Norwegian Navy anchored near Copenhagen on 2 April 1801. Denmark, together with Russia, Prussia and Sweden, tried to protect free trade and oppose England's naval despotism. An English fleet under Nelson appeared off Copenhagen and, despite valiant Danish resistance, invaded the harbour. Denmark was finally forced to recognise English maritime law.