NUMISMAGRAM MEDAL SELECTIONS: NOVEMBER 19, 2023

PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE FULL ISSUE PREV FULL ISSUE

V26 2023 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 26, Number 47, November 19, 2023, Article 23

Numismagram's Jeremy Bostwick forwarded these four medals from his most recent upload of new material to his site. For all of the new items, please visit https://www.numismagram.com/inventory. -Editor

102575 | GREAT BRITAIN. England. Archbishop William Sancroft cast silver Medal. Issued 1688. Sancroft and the Seven Bishops (49mm, 12h). By G. Bower. GVIL · SANCROFT · ARCHIEPISC · CANTVAR · 1688 ·, bust right, wearing camauro and canonical robes // Seven medallions of the Bishops committed to the Tower of London: Bishops Henry Compton (middle – London), Francis Turner (upper right, proceeding clockwise – Ely), Thomas Ken (Bath), Sir John Trelawney (Bristol), Thomas White (Peterborough), John Lake (Chichester), and William Lloyd (St. Asaph); twelve stars around. Cf. MI 622/37; Eimer 288b. NGC AU Details—Tooled. Despite the noted tooling and details designation by NGC, it should be mentioned that this type always displays some evidence of tooling and chasing in the fields, it being an aspect of manufacture following the casting process; as such, it can be discounted and expected and as issued. $465.

Following the exclusion crisis in the late 1670s over the fear of the rise of Catholicism, James II proposed the Declaration of Indulgence in 1687–the first step in establishing the freedom of religion in England. The ensuing protest, however, concerned the bill's lack of guarantee that the Anglican Church would remain as the established church, with many leaders within the clergy refusing to read the declaration. This act against the crown was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, William Sancroft, along with six other bishops (Bishop Henry Compton being included on this medal on account of his earlier dissent to Catholicism and removal from office by James), and resulted in their imprisonment in the Tower of London. Brought to trial before the Court of the King's Bench, the bishops were acquitted, serving as a precursor to James' deposition shortly thereafter by his nephew, the Protestant William III of Orange, in the Glorious Revolution.

102609 | SWEDEN. Oscar II silver Award Medal. Issued circa 1905-1907. Presented for Horse Breeding (43mm, 39.51 g, 12h). By A. Lindberg & L. Ahlborn. OSCAR II SVERIGES GÖT O VEND KONUNG, bare head left // FÖR HÄSTAFVELNS FRÄMJANDE (for horse breeding), horse standing left; PRISBELÖNING (award). Edge: Plain. Mint State. Highly brilliant and lustrous, with deep peripheral iridescent toning on the obverse and a mostly cobalt-toned reverse. $165.

Awarded annually by the Stuteri Öfverstyrelsen (stud farm executive board), these medals were a continuation of the ideals originally promoted in the 17th century in order to foster a strong supply of horses for the Swedish cavalry. Enacted by decree in 1872, and officially instituted by 1875, these hästmedaljer ("horse medals") were presented, in silver and bronze, to the owners of deceased young horses that were considered by the board to be worthy of such honor and distinction.

Lavrillier Art Deco 'Au soldat inconnu' Plaque

102607 | FRANCE. Art Deco uniface bronze Plaque. Issued circa 1923. "Au soldat inconnu" (53x72mm, 180.04 g). By A. H. Lavrillier. Laureate angel facing, cradling upper body of fallen soldier right // Blank. Edge: «cornucopia» BRONZE. Maier –. Choice Mint State. Olive-brown surfaces, with a bit of a darker nature further highlighting them. A wondrous Art Deco design. $435.

An exceptional interwar piece paying homage to the countless lives lost during World War I, this artistic plaque portrays an angel receiving the body of an unnamed soldier, his name lost to time, but his sacrifice nevertheless remembered through this imagery.

102594 | UNITED STATES. "Abundance" bronze Medal Issued 1934. Society of Medalists series (73mm, 173.16 g, 12h). By A. Laessle. AMERICA, male turkey strutting left // ABUNDANCE, ear of corn, with husk coming undone in a uniform fashion. Edge: THE SOCIETY OF MEDALISTS TENTH ISSUE MEDALLIC ART CO. NY. Alexander SOM-10.1; Marqusee 234. Mint State. Olive-light brown surfaces, with a charming matte nature. Mintage: 1,021 (reported). $175.

Laessle, in the brochure that accompanied the medal, said this of his creation: "Wishing to symbolize the abundance of America, I have chosen for my medal two truly American subjects, the turkey and the corn." Despite the country being in the depths of the Great Depression at the time of this medal's issuance, it is hard to overlook the concept of giving thanks and valuing whatever one may have.