Description

Victoria, 1837-1901. Vergoldete Bronzemedaille 1842, 64.92 g. Foundation of the New Royal Exchange. By W. Wyon. Bust, diademed. VICTORIA D : G : BRITANNIARUM REGINA F : D: Rv. Inscription in ten lines. IN COMMEMORATION OF LAYING THE FIRST STONE OF THE NEW ROYAL EXCHANGE BY H: R: H: PRINCE ALBERT CONSORT OF H: M: QUEEN VICTORIA 17 JANUARY 1842 IN THE FIFTH YEAR OF HER REIGN. Plain edge. 48.1 mm. Eimer -. BHM 2078. Gutes vorzüglich / About Uncirculated. Im Originaletui, unter Glas und mit Rahmen / In original box and in watch style glass bound in a frame.

Purchased from Spink, London, October 2003.
The third Royal Exchange building, which still stands today, was designed by Sir William Tite and adheres to the original layout - consisting of a four-sided structure surrounding a central courtyard where merchants and tradesmen could do business. The internal works, designed by Edward I'Anson in 1837, made use of concrete - an early example of this modern construction method. It features pediment sculptures by Richard Westmacott (the younger), and ornamental cast ironwork by Henry Grissell's Regent's Canal Ironworks. It was opened by Queen Victoria on 28 October 1844, though trading did not commence until 1 January 1845.