Ancient, British and World Coins, Tokens, Tickets and Passes, Historical and Art Medals, Numismatic Books and Banknotes

James II (1685-1688), James II, Military and Naval Reward, 1685, a silver medal by J. Roettiers, draped bust right, rev. trophy of arms with naval action behind, 64mm (MI I, 617/29; E 282). Usual die flaw on obverse rim below Roettiers’ monogram, minor marks in fields but extremely fine and attractively toned, rare (£650-750)

Though undated, this medal was instituted as a reward for loyal military and naval service at the time of the Monmouth rebellion, when England was threatened with invasion on two fronts by the Dukes of Monmouth and Argyle, both of whom were subsequently beheaded.

Illustration reduced