Catch! A
coronation medallion fit for a king.
At the
coronation following the Restoration commemorative medallions were distributed
to the congregation. The diarist Samuel Pepys recorded that “medals
[were] flung up and down by my Lord Cornwallis of silver, but [Pepys] could not
get any. Another witness, Elias Ashmole, noted medals, “flung abroad… medals
both of silver and gold… as a princely Donation or Largesse…”
Bust of Charles
II crowned in royal ermine robes, wearing
collar and George of the Garter. On the obverse Charles II in royal robes,
holding the sceptre, is seated on a throne; Peace, hovering over him, places
the crown upon his head. The inscription
reads
EVERSO . MISSVS
. SVCCVRRERE . SECLO . XXIII . APR . 1661.
Inscription
translation: Sent to support a fallen age, 23 April, 1661.
Illustration by kind permission of Charles Riley, Coins
& Medals www.charlesriley.co.uk
