Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Presentation Striking of the Waterloo Medal presented to H.R.H. Don Miguel, Regent of Portugal, later Miguel I, on the occasion of his visit to the British Mint at the Tower of London on 8 January 1828

Waterloo 1815 (* Viva Miguel * British Mint 8th January 1828. *) officially impressed in the usual style, fitted with conventional steel clip (at ‘ue’ of ‘Miguel’) and later split-ring suspension, edge bruise, otherwise extremely fine and rare £800-£1,000

Morton & Eden, November 2009, when incorrectly attributed to Don Miguel Ricardo de Alava, an officer formerly on the staff of the Duke of Wellington who notably fought at both Trafalgar and Waterloo

‘Don Miguel.- This Royal Personage is now, owing it is said to the indisposition of the King, principally entertained by the Duke and Duchess of Clarence, who have, this last week, given in honour to His Royal Highness, very magnificent entertainments, at the Admiralty. His Royal Highness has been to see the Mint, the Tower with its Wild Beasts, Thames Tunnel, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Rundell and Bridge’s shop on Ludgate-hill, and the Panorama representing the unfortunate battle of Navarino; these are what His Royal Highness has seen already...’ (Cobbett’s Political Register, January 12, 1828, refers.)

In February 1828, Don Miguel returned to Lisbon, declared himself King and reigned as Miguel I of Portugal until forced to abdicate in 1834.

Note: A second example of this medal is known – a specimen without suspension but believed to be identically named.