Catalog - SINCONA Auction 96

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James II. 1685-1688. Silver Medal n. d. (c. 1685), 9.79 g. Prudence of James II. By G. Bower. Bust, armoured and draped. IACOBVS . II . D . G . MAG . BRI . FRAN . ET . HIB . REX. Below GB.F. Rv. Britannia seated, holding spear and shield. NVLLVM NVMEN ABEST. Plain edge. 28.5 mm. Eimer 283. MI i 607/11. Sehr schön / Very Fine. Schrötlingsfehler auf dem Revers / Flan flaw on reverse.

Purchased from Spink Numismatic Circular, London, May 1997, lot 3341.

James II and VII (14 October 1633 - 16 September 1701) was King of England and Ireland as James II and King of Scotland as James VII from the death of his elder brother, Charles II, on 6 February 1685, until he was deposed in the 1688 Glorious Revolution. The last Catholic monarch of England, Scotland, and Ireland, his reign is now remembered primarily for conflicts over religion. However, it also involved struggles over the principles of absolutism and divine right of kings, with his deposition ending a century of political and civil strife by confirming the primacy of the English Parliament over the Crown.

In 1685, he had defeated two rebellions and was considered to be at the height of his power.

This small medal is supposed to have been struck soon after the accession of James II.

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James II. 1685-1688. Silver Medal 1685, 40.16 g. Duke of Monmouth Defeated. By G. Bower. Bust armoured and draped. Rv. Monmouth fails to scale an island rock and seize the three crowns on the summit. SVPERI RISERE . IVLY . 6 . 1685. Plain edge. 50.3 mm. Eimer 276. MI i 613/23. van Loon III, 306. Saunders/Vanhoudt 1685-9. Gutes vorzüglich / About Uncirculated. Herrliche Patina / Most attractively toned.

Purchased from Spink Numismatic Circular, London, July 1997, lot 468.
From Sotheby, March 1989, lot 117.
From Sotheby, May 1977, lot 186.
From Sotheby, November 1949, lot 57.

The defeat of the Duke of Monmouth in 1685 is a significant event in British history, often referred to as the Monmouth Rebellion or the Pitchfork Rebellion. It was an attempt to overthrow King James II of England and VII of Scotland, who had recently ascended to the throne following the death of his brother, Charles II. The rebellion was led by James Scott, the Duke of Monmouth, who was an illegitimate son of Charles II and claimed to be the rightful heir to the throne.

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James II. 1685-1688. Silver Medal 1685, 76.04 g. Dukes of Monmouth and Argyle Beheaded. By R. Arondeaux. Bust of James II laureate, in Roman dress, resting on four sceptres, terminating in the badges of the kingdoms, upon a pedestal, in front of which is affixed the royal shield within the Garter, crowned; below inscription: ARAS ET SCEPTRA TUEMUR . 1685. Neptune in his cart, and ships in the distance. IACOBVS II D . G . MAG . BRI . FRAN . ET . HIB . REX. On base of pedestal R. A. FEC. Rv. A pedestal with inscription: AMBITIO MALESUADA RUIT. On it Justice, trampling on a serpent, weighs three crowns against the sword, the torch, and the serpent of Discord. At her feet lie the bodies of Monmouth and Argyle; their heads are on blocks inscribed IACOBUS DE MONTMOUT . ARCHIBALD D'ARGYL. Plain edge. 61.4 mm. Eimer 281. MI i 615/27. van Loon III, 307,4. Saunders/Vanhoudt 1685-13. Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. Feine Patina / Nicely toned. Kleiner Randfehler / Minor edge flaw.

From the auction Hess Divo 267, Zurich, May 1996, lot 659.

The beheadings of the Duke of Monmouth and the Duke of Argyll in 1685 were significant events in British history, marking the brutal suppression of rebellions against King James II of England and VII of Scotland. Both men were prominent figures who led separate uprisings against the king, and their executions were intended to serve as a stark warning to others who might challenge royal authority.

They are remembered as tragic examples of the brutal politics of the late 17th century. Both men became symbols of resistance to tyranny, and their deaths highlighted the deep religious and political divisions in Britain at the time.

Monmouth's botched execution, in particular, became infamous and was often cited as evidence of the cruelty of James II's regime. Argyll's martyrdom, meanwhile, reinforced the resolve of Scottish Presbyterians in their struggle against royal and episcopal authority.

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James II. 1685-1688. Silver Medal 1685, 93.17 g. James II, Military and Naval Reward. By J. Roettier. Bust, draped. IACOBVS . II . DEI . GRA . ANG . SCOT . FRAN . ET . HIB . REX. Below monogram R. Rv. An antique trophy; distant naval engagement. GENVS . ANTIQVVM. Plain edge. 63.9 mm. Eimer 282. MI i 617/29. Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. Feine Patina / Nicely toned. Kleiner Kratzer im Avers / Small scratch on obverse.

From the auction Spink Taisei Numismatics 33, Zurich, April 1990, lot 781.

In 1685, James II defeated two rebellions: The Monmouth Rebellion, (also known as the Pitchfork Rebellion, the Revolt of the West or the West Country rebellion), which was an attempt to depose James II and which was led by James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth, eldest illegitimate son of Charles II, opposed James largely due to his Catholicism.

The Argyll's Rebellion, which was an attempt in June 1685 to overthrow James II and which was led by Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll, intended to tie down Royal forces in Scotland while the rebellion under the 1st Duke of Monmouth began in England.

Struck as a military and naval reward.

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James II. 1685-1688. Gold Medal n. d. (c. 1685), 2.09 g. Touch piece. Unsigned. Ship in full sail. IACO . II . D . G . M . B . FR ET . HI . REX. Rv. St. Michael and the Dragon. SOLI . DEO GLORIA. Plain edge. 18.2 mm. Eimer -. MI i 611/19. Sehr schön / Very Fine. Feine Goldpatina / Nice gold toning.

Purchased from Baldwin & Sons, London, April 2006, lot D57.

Touchpieces were traditionally used as a talisman which could be touched by the monarch and then presented to the sickly and infirm to be worn about the neck.

They were presented in a medieval ceremony to cure them of "Scrofula" or "King's evil" and served as a test of royal legitimacy. The monarch, as God's vice-regent on earth, healed the sick on his behalf. Therefore, the majority of touchpieces were holed and worn by the bearer to protect them. The touchpiece had a purely ceremonial purpose, replacing the previously popular gold angel in this ceremony, the royal ship was added to the design to represent the monarch. The practice lasted until the 18th century, when Queen Anne was the last monarch to take part.

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James II. 1685-1688. Silver Medal 1687, 62.49 g. Spanish Wreck Recovered. By G. Bower. Busts of James II. and Mary of Modena conjoined. IACOBVS . II . ET . MARIA . D . G . MAG . BRI . FRAN . ET . HIB . REX . ET . REGINA. Below G. B. Rv. Ship in an open sea from which men in rowing boats search for treasure from a wreck. SEMPER TIBI PENDEAT HAMUS. In exergue: NAVFRAGA REPERTA . 1687. Plain edge. 54.7 mm. Eimer 285. MI i 619/33. Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. Feine Patina / Nice toning. Minimal gewellt / Minimally wavy flan.

From the auction Spink USA 9800, New York, December 2001, lot 44.

This medal commemorates the salvage of a treasure lost with a Spanish ship off Hispaniola, in the West Indies. The attempt was begun by Captain William Phipps, with funding from Charles II. As the project was initially unsuccessful, James II refused to finance his activities, but Christopher, Duke of Albemarle, and some peers advanced the necessary money. When funds were nearly exhausted, Phipps finally succeeded and returned to England with roughly 300,000 pounds worth of silver.

These medals, struck by G. Bower, were given to the ship’s officers and the promoters of the venture. The king himself gave them to friends and favourites. The inscription encourages perseverance.

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James II. 1685-1688. Satirical Silver Medal 1688, 91.23 g. Religious State of England. Unsigned, probably by J. Schmeltzing. A pedestal with inscription: BRITANNIA. On it a dove, a chalice, wafer and rosary, and a mitre; in the centre the Bible surmounted by cap with inscription: LIBERT. Above, a hand from heaven holding a scroll with inscription C . FAGELII EPISTOLA EFFLAGITATA A I . STEWARDO 1687. LIBERTAS CONSCIENTIE HOC MONILI ORNATA. Rv. A dog wearing a rosary, about to swallow a book with M . I.; tramples upon another with L. C.; is throwing down a third with S. R. P. sealed with the seals T and P, which has been deposited upon a solid column, girt by the serpent of Eternity. RES IMMODERATA CUPIDO EST. In exergue: MDCLXXXVIII. Plain edge. 58.5 mm. Eimer -. MI i 620/35. van Loon III, 337. Saunders/Vanhoudt 1688-6. Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. Feine Patina / Nicely toned.

From the auction Künker 50-53, Osnabrück, October 1999, lot 1986.

As a predominantly protestant country ruled by a catholic monarch, tensions between court and country were high in England in 1688. They hightened further when seven bishops, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, were arrested and tried for seditious libel after submitting a petition requesting the reconsideration of the King's religious policies.

This medal was executed in Holland, probably by Jan Smeltzing.

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James II. 1685-1688. Cast Silver Medal 1688, 22.43 g. Archbishop Sancroft and the Bishops. By G. Bower. Bust, wearing a cap and clerically robed. GVIL . SANCROFT . ARCHIEPISC . CANTVAR . 1688. Rv. Seven medallions containing busts, clerically robed, and names of the six imprisoned bishops around that of the Bishop of London. Below: GB.F. Plain edge. 47.5 mm. Eimer 288b. MI i 622/37. van Loon II, 339. Saunders/Vanhoudt 1688-7. Sehr schön / Very Fine.

From the auction Münz Zentrum Albrecht + Hoffmann GmbH 47, Cologne, November 1982, lot 3643.

William Sancroft (30 January 1617 - 24 November 1693) was the 79th Archbishop of Canterbury, and was one of the Seven Bishops imprisoned in 1688 for seditious libel against King James II, over his opposition to the king's Declaration of Indulgence. Deprived of his office in 1690 for refusing to swear allegiance to William and Mary, he later enabled and supported the consecration of new nonjuring bishops leading to the nonjuring schism.

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James II. 1685-1688. Silver Medal 1688, 69.11 g. Birth of Prince James. By G. Bower. Bust of James II, laureate and armoured. IACOBVS . II . D G MAG . BRI . FRAN . ET . HIB . REX. Below: GB. F. Rv. Bust of Mary in gown and mantle. MARIA . D G . MAG . BRI . FRAN . ET . HIB . REGINA . 1688. Plain edge. 52 mm. Eimer -. MI i 627/45. Gutes vorzüglich / About Uncirculated. Feine Patina / Nicely toned.

Purchased from the stock of Hess Divo, Zurich, June 1998.

James Francis Edward Stuart (10 June 1688 - 1 January 1766) was the House of Stuart claimant to the thrones of England, Ireland and Scotland from 1701 until his death in 1766. The only son of James II of England and his second wife, Mary of Modena, he was Prince of Wales and heir until his Catholic father was deposed and exiled in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. His Protestant half-sister Mary II and her husband William III became co-monarchs. As a Catholic, he was subsequently excluded from the succession by the Act of Settlement 1701.

His birth was unexpected, coming five years after his mother's tenth and last pregnancy, none of which produced a child that survived more than a few days. The birth reignited controversies of religion, as the new son would be raised Catholic.

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James II. 1685-1688. Gilded Silver Medal 1688, 17.87 g. Birth of Prince James. Unsigned. Busts, conjoined, of James II, laureate and draped, and the Queen, draped. IACOBVS . II . M . BRIT . REX . MARIA . M . BRIT . REG. Rv. Map identifying ANGLIA, HIBERNIA and SCOTIA; radiate sun rising. ILLAS FVGAT . RECREAT ISTAS. In exergue: OB NATVM WALLIÆ PRINCIPEM GAB . SILVIVS EQ . AVR AD SER DANIÆ ET NORW . REG . ABL EXT CCMDCLXXXVIII. Plain edge. 34.9 mm. Eimer 293. MI i 629/49. van Loon III, 342,2. Saunders/Vanhoudt 1688-11. Sehr schön / Very Fine. Kleiner Stempelriss / Small die crack.

James Francis Edward Stuart (10 June 1688 - 1 January 1766) was the House of Stuart claimant to the thrones of England, Ireland and Scotland from 1701 until his death in 1766. The only son of James II of England and his second wife, Mary of Modena, he was Prince of Wales and heir until his Catholic father was deposed and exiled in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. His Protestant half-sister Mary II and her husband William III became co-monarchs. As a Catholic, he was subsequently excluded from the succession by the Act of Settlement 1701.

His birth was unexpected, coming five years after his mother's tenth and last pregnancy, none of which produced a child that survived more than a few days. The birth reignited controversies of religion, as the new son would be raised Catholic.

This medal was issued in Denmark, for distribution at a celebration given by Sir Gabriel Wood, Ambassador Extraordinary to the most Serene King of Denmark and Norway, in commemoration of the birth of the young Prince, who was expected to dissipate the storms, which threatened Great Britain by the Protestant ascendancy.

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James II. 1685-1688. Silver Medal 1688, 77.27 g. Birth of Prince James. Unsigned. Bust, laureate and draped. IACOBUS II D . G . BRITANNIARUM IMPERATOR. Rv. Canopy over a bed in which a person nurses an infant. FELICITAS PUBLICA. In exergue: OB FELICISS : M : BRIT : PRINC : NATIV : 20 IUN : 1688 IG : VITUS EQ : B . C . MARC : D'ALBYVILLE ET SA : ROM : IMP : APUD BAT : ABLEG : EXT : C . C. Plain edge. 60.4 mm. Eimer 290. MI i 630/51. van Loon III, 343. Saunders/Vanhoudt 1688-12. Gutes vorzüglich / About Uncirculated. Herrliche Patina / Most attractively toned. Winzige Kratzer / Tiny scratches.

Purchased from Spink Numismatic Circular, London, July 1997, lot 479.
From the auction Sotheby, London, March 1989, lot 121.

James Francis Edward Stuart (10 June 1688 - 1 January 1766) was the House of Stuart claimant to the thrones of England, Ireland and Scotland from 1701 until his death in 1766. The only son of James II of England and his second wife, Mary of Modena, he was Prince of Wales and heir until his Catholic father was deposed and exiled in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. His Protestant half-sister Mary II and her husband William III became co-monarchs. As a Catholic, he was subsequently excluded from the succession by the Act of Settlement 1701.

His birth was unexpected, coming five years after his mother's tenth and last pregnancy, none of which produced a child that survived more than a few days. The birth reignited controversies of religion, as the new son would be raised Catholic.

The medal was struck in Holland.

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James II. 1685-1688. Silver Medal 1688, 46.48 g. Birth of Prince James. Unsigned. Aglauros opening basket and discovering Erichthonius with his dragon tail, roses and thistles on the ground. INFANTEMQUE VIDENT, APPORRECTUMQUE DRACONEM. Rv. A withering rose with two flowers, a sucker growing to the left. TAMEN NASCATUR OPORTET. In exergue: MDCLXXXVIII. Plain edge. 49.5 mm. Eimer -. MI i 631/53. van Loon III, 346. Saunders/Vanhoudt 1688-14. Fast vorzüglich / About Extremely Fine. Feine Patina auf Avers / Nicely toned on obverse.

From the auction Frankfurter Münzhandlung 136, Frankfurt a. Main, May 1991, lot 483.

James Francis Edward Stuart (10 June 1688 - 1 January 1766) was the House of Stuart claimant to the thrones of England, Ireland and Scotland from 1701 until his death in 1766. The only son of James II of England and his second wife, Mary of Modena, he was Prince of Wales and heir until his Catholic father was deposed and exiled in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. His Protestant half-sister Mary II and her husband William III became co-monarchs. As a Catholic, he was subsequently excluded from the succession by the Act of Settlement 1701.

His birth was unexpected, coming five years after his mother's tenth and last pregnancy, none of which produced a child that survived more than a few days. The birth reignited controversies of religion, as the new son would be raised Catholic.

This medal depicts the rumors, that the child was from a woman other than Queen Mary. Pallas committed to the care of the three daughters of Cecrops a basket with a special injunction not to open it. Opened however it was by Aglauros and out rushed Erichthonius a progeny of Vulcan, half man, half monster, not born of woman. The roses and thistles point the application of the fable to Great Britain. The three daughters are England, Scotland, and Ireland. Erichthonius, hideous and deformed, could not be of royal blood, he must be a pretender, and as the Queen was considered incapable of bearing children, he must have been produced without a mother. The rosebush represents the King and Queen who, it was generally believed would never have any children. It was however necessary that one should be born and therefore a young Prince or sucker is seen springing up at such a distance from the parent stock, that it may be doubted from what plant it is produced.

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James II. 1685-1688. Silver Medal 1688, 80.20 g. Landing of William of Orange at Torbay. By J. Scheltzing. William III in Roman costume tramples upon the shield of France and holds up that of England; beyond, the disembarkation of his army. HANC EXTOL LIT, ILLAM DEIICIT. In exergue: ÆTERNÆ MEM : EXPED : PRINC : AUR : BATAV : ADIUVANT : AD LIBER : ANG . CLASSIS SOLVIT XI APPULIT XV NOV : 1688. Rv. Belgic lion wielding an upright sword rests a paw on a globe, on which the cap of liberty is wreathed in orange blossom, looks menacingly towards the sun marked with the fleurs-de-lis of France. MINATUR SOLI, SED FAVET ORBI. In exergue: LEO BELGICUS. Plain edge. 57.8 mm. Eimer 297A. MI i 638/63. van Loon III, 353,1. Saunders/Vanhoudt 1688-22. Fast vorzüglich / About Extremely Fine. Kleine Kratzer und Randfehler / Small scratches and edge nicks.

The Landing of William of Orange at Torbay in 1688 was a pivotal event in British history, marking the beginning of the Glorious Revolution. This invasion led to the overthrow of King James II of England and VII of Scotland and the establishment of William III and Mary II as joint monarchs. The event is often seen as a turning point in the transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy in Britain.

On 5 November 1688 (a date later celebrated in England as Bonfire Night), William's fleet entered the English Channel. After being blown off course by a storm, they landed at Brixham, near Torbay in Devon. According to legend, William stepped ashore and declared, "The liberties of England and the Protestant religion I will maintain." William's landing was met with widespread support, particularly in the Protestant strongholds of the West Country. Many of James II's officers and troops defected to William's side, and key cities such as Exeter welcomed him.

The reverse of this medal symbolizes Holland whose Lion protects the liberties of Europe and threatens the Sun, the chosen emblem of Louis XIV.

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James II. 1685-1688. Gold Medal 1688, 58.41 g. Landing of William of Orange at Torbay. By R. Arondeaux. William as Roman emperor holds the arm of Britannia, standing beside her shield affixed to an orange-tree entwined with roses and thistles. DEO VIN DICE IUSTITIA COMITE. Below: R.A.F. Rv. Troops disembark from boats near a fortified harbour; large fleet on the horizon. CONTRA INFANTEM PERDITIONIS. In exergue: EXPEDITIO NAUALIS PRO LIBERTATE ANGLIÆ . MDCLXXXVIII. Plain edge. 49.3 mm. Eimer 298. MI i 639/65. van Loon II, 355,1. Saunders/Vanhoudt 1688-25. Sehr selten / Very rare. Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. Kleine Prüfspur am Rand / Small test mark on edge.

Purchased from the stock of Schweizerischer Bankverein, Basel, February 1982.

The Landing of William of Orange at Torbay in 1688 was a pivotal event in British history, marking the beginning of the Glorious Revolution. This invasion led to the overthrow of King James II of England and VII of Scotland and the establishment of William III and Mary II as joint monarchs. The event is often seen as a turning point in the transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy in Britain.

On 5 November 1688 (a date later celebrated in England as Bonfire Night), William's fleet entered the English Channel. After being blown off course by a storm, they landed at Brixham, near Torbay in Devon. According to legend, William stepped ashore and declared, "The liberties of England and the Protestant religion I will maintain." William's landing was met with widespread support, particularly in the Protestant strongholds of the West Country. Many of James II's officers and troops defected to William's side, and key cities such as Exeter welcomed him.

James was believed to have acted by the advice of Father Petre, his confessor and the young Prince was reported to be the son of a miller. He is therefore represented with a small toy mill.

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James II. 1685-1688. Silver Medal 1688, 47.75 g. Landing of William of Orange at Torbay. By R. Arondeaux. William as a Roman emperor holds the arm of Britannia, standing beside her shield affixed to an orange-tree entwined with roses and thistles. DEO VIN DICE IUSTITIA COMITE. Below: R.A.F. Rv. Troops disembark from boats near a fortified harbour; large fleet on the horizon. CONTRA INFANTEM PERDITIONIS. In exergue: EXPEDITIO NAUALIS PRO LIBERTATE ANGLIÆ . MDCLXXXVIII. Plain edge. 49.4 mm. Eimer 298. MI i 639/65. van Loon II, 355,1. Saunders/Vanhoudt 1688-25. Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. Tremolierstriche am Rand / Tremolier strokes on edge.

From the auction Spink USA 9800, New York, December 2001, lot 49.

The Landing of William of Orange at Torbay in 1688 was a pivotal event in British history, marking the beginning of the Glorious Revolution. This invasion led to the overthrow of King James II of England and VII of Scotland and the establishment of William III and Mary II as joint monarchs. The event is often seen as a turning point in the transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy in Britain.

On 5 November 1688 (a date later celebrated in England as Bonfire Night), William's fleet entered the English Channel. After being blown off course by a storm, they landed at Brixham, near Torbay in Devon. According to legend, William stepped ashore and declared, "The liberties of England and the Protestant religion I will maintain." William's landing was met with widespread support, particularly in the Protestant strongholds of the West Country. Many of James II's officers and troops defected to William's side, and key cities such as Exeter welcomed him.

James was believed to have acted by the advice of Father Petre, his confessor, and the young Prince was reported to be the son of a miller. He is therefore represented with a small toy mill.

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James II. 1685-1688. Silver Medal 1688, 29.08 g. Landing of William of Orange at Torbay. Unsigned. An orange-tree, beneath which is Britannia armed, leaning upon a Bible on an altar and bearing on her lance the cap of Liberty. On the other side is a column, surmounted by the shield of England, crowned, to which is attached a scroll with inscription: BRITAN : ONTROERT . WET GEVELT . PRINC D'ORANGIE ONS HERSTELT. On the base of the column: 1688. SOLI DEO GLORIA. Rv. The Belgic Lion holding arrows and sword wreathed with laurel, rests one foot upon the Bible and tramples on the serpent of Discord. On the ground lies a prostrate column, inscription: MAG . CART. In the distance, a fleet approaching land on which are church and houses; above, TORBAY; in the field, BRITANNIA. IN TVITIONEM RELIG . PROTES. Plain edge. 43.5 mm. Eimer -. MI i 641/67. van Loon III, 355,2. Saunders/Vanhoudt 1688-26. Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. Feine Patina / Nicely toned.

Purchased from Spink Numismatic Circular, London, May 1995, lot 3924.

The Landing of William of Orange at Torbay in 1688 was a pivotal event in British history, marking the beginning of the Glorious Revolution. This invasion led to the overthrow of King James II of England and VII of Scotland and the establishment of William III and Mary II as joint monarchs. The event is often seen as a turning point in the transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy in Britain.

On 5 November 1688 (a date later celebrated in England as Bonfire Night), William's fleet entered the English Channel. After being blown off course by a storm, they landed at Brixham, near Torbay in Devon. According to legend, William stepped ashore and declared, "The liberties of England and the Protestant religion I will maintain." William's landing was met with widespread support, particularly in the Protestant strongholds of the West Country. Many of James II's officers and troops defected to William's side, and key cities such as Exeter welcomed him.

The obverse represents Britannia in possession of her religion and liberty under the protection of the Prince of Orange and piously ascribing her happiness to Providence. The reverse symbolizes Holland armed in defence of the Protestant Religion and the Magna Carta of England and indicates the landing at Torbay as the means employed for the purpose.

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William III. and Mary II. 1689-1694. Silver Medal 1689, 46.84 g. Flight of James II. By J. Schmeltzing. Bust, hair confined in a bag, draped. IACOBUS II BRITAN : REX FUGITIV. Rv. A column shattered by lightning; view of London from the south bank of the Thames. NON ICTV HVMANO, SED FLATV DIVINO. In exergue: SPONTE FUGIT IACOB : II ANG : REX L. 20 DEC : CAPTUS 23 D. 1688. ITERUM FUGIT 2 IAN : 1689. SN. Plain edge. 49 mm. Eimer 302. MI i 649/3. van Loon III, 370. Saunders/Vanhoudt 1688-43. Selten / Rare. Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. Feine Patina / Nicely toned. Winzige Kratzer im Revers / Tiny scratches on reverse.

From the auction Spink Taisei Numismatics 33, Zurich, April 1990, lot 789.

On 30 June 1688, a group of seven Protestant nobles invited William, Prince of Orange, to come to England with an army. By September, it had become clear that William sought to invade. Believing that his own army would be adequate, James refused the assistance of his cousin King Louis XIV of France, fearing that the English would oppose French intervention. When William arrived on 5 November 1688, many Protestant officers defected and joined William, as did James's own daughter Anne. James lost his nerve and declined to attack the invading army, despite his army's numerical superiority. On 11 December, James tried to flee to France, first throwing the Great Seal of the Realm into the River Thames. He was captured in Kent; later, he was released and placed under Dutch protective guard. Having no desire to make James a martyr, William let him escape on 23 December. James was received by his ally, Louis XIV, who offered him a palace and a pension.

This medal was struck in Holland.

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William III. and Mary II. 1689-1694. Gold Medal 1689, 18.50 g. Coronation of William III and Mary II. Unsigned, by J. Roettier. Busts, conjoined and draped, him being laureate. GVLIELMVS . ET . MARIA . REX . ET . REGINA. Rv. Jove hurls thunder at Phaeton falling from his chariot. NE TOTVS ABSVMATVR. In exergue: INAVGVRAT . II . AP 1689. Plain edge. 35.3 mm. Eimer 312a. MI i 662/25. van Loon III, 379,1. Saunders/Vanhoudt 1689-9. Fast vorzüglich / About Extremely Fine. Kleine Kratzer / Small scratches.

Purchased from Schweizerischer Bankverein, Basel, March 1984.

William III and Mary II were crowned together at Westminster Abbey on 11 April 1689 by the Bishop of London, Henry Compton. Normally, the coronation is performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, but the Archbishop at the time, William Sancroft, refused to recognise James's removal.

The joint rule of William III of Orange (1650 - 1702), the Stadtholder of the Dutch Republic and the grandson of Charles I of England, and Mary II (1662 - 1694), the daughter of James II of England and his first wife, Anne Hyde, established constitutional monarchy and laid the foundation for modern parliamentary democracy.

This was the official coronation medal struck for distribution among the spectators.

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William III. and Mary II. 1689-1694. Silver Medal 1689, 19.72 g. Coronation of William III and Mary II. By G. Bower. Busts, conjoined and draped, he laureate. GVLIELMVS . ET . MARIA . D . G . ANG . FRA . ET . HIB . REX . ET . REGINA . FID : DEF : & C. Below: GB.F. Rv. Perseus delivering Andromeda from a sea monster. PRETIVMQ . ET . CAVSA . LABORIS. Plain edge. 37.9 mm. Eimer 311. MI i 663/26. van Loon III, 379,2. Saunders/Vanhoudt 1689-10. Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. Feine Patina / Nicely toned.

William III and Mary II were crowned together at Westminster Abbey on 11 April 1689 by the Bishop of London, Henry Compton. Normally, the coronation is performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, but the Archbishop at the time, William Sancroft, refused to recognise James's removal.

The joint rule of William III of Orange (1650 - 1702), the Stadtholder of the Dutch Republic and the grandson of Charles I of England, and Mary II (1662 - 1694), the daughter of James II of England and his first wife, Anne Hyde, established constitutional monarchy and laid the foundation for modern parliamentary democracy.