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Auction: 11023 - Ancient, English & Foreign Coins and Commemorative Medals
Lot: 575

William IV (1830-37), Coronation 1831, bronze medal, unsigned (by Ingram), busts of William and Adelaide right, rev. Coronation scene, a negro slave, his chains broken, kneeling before the throne, 46 mm. (BHM.1501; Fi.962), good very fine, scarce Estimate £ 150-250 The presence of a negro slave at the coronation scene is highly significant. As Duke of Clarence, William had spoken in the House of Lords in favour of the system of slavery as practiced in the West Indies. He was never a friend of the Abolitionists. Although the slave trade had been outlawed by Britain in 1807, slavery still flourished. The negro kneeling before the throne on this medal is an eloquent, silent, plea to the new monarch to support the Abolitionist cause. The Emancipation Act was passed in 1833 and the new law took effect from 1 August the next year.

Sold for
£580