Description

George IV. 1820-1830. Silver Medal 1824, 125.03 g. Laudatory or Tribute Medal, formerly known as The Naval Aid to Greece Medal. By B. Pistrucci. Bust, hair bound with a ribbon. GEWRGIOS D MEG. BRET. BASILEUS. Rv. An ornamental upright trident, flanked by two dolphins, dividing the date A.WKD (1824). Plain edge. 60.3 mm. Eimer 1171. BHM 1221. Selten / Rare. Vorzüglich-FDC / About Uncirculated. Herrliche Patina / Most attractively toned.

The Greek War of Independence, also known as the Greek Revolution of 1821, was a successful war of independence by Greek revolutionaries against the Ottoman Empire between 1821 and 1829. In 1826, the Greeks were assisted by the British Empire, Kingdom of France, and the Russian Empire, while the Ottomans were aided by their vassals, especially by Egypt. The war led to the formation of modern Greece. The revolution is celebrated by Greeks around the world as independence day on 25 March.

The title 'Naval Aid to Greece' seems to have originated with the Earl of Sandwich in 1937 when publishing the medals in the National Maritime Museum. Forrer (BDM) suggested that it was struck by Messrs Rundell, Bridge and Rundell but Tom Stainton (annotated BHM) totally refutes this.