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Auction: 22007 - British and World Coins and Commemorative Medals Autumn Auction
Lot: 734

Execution of the Duke of Monmouth, AR Medal, 1685, by G. Bower, • IACOBVS • DVX • MONVMETHENSIS •, draped bust right, rev. • CAPVT • INTER NVBILA •, cypher of JEDM surrounded by clouds, over which two infant genii support the ducal coronet, the Duke's head in the clouds below, plain edge, 50mm, 56.87g (Eimer 279; MI 614/25; van Loon III, 307; Harding 4 this medal), a few very faint contact marks to the obverse field, otherwise with highly lustrous and toned surfaces, a most handsome example of high relief work, handsome extremely fine and extremely rare

The Duke of Monmouth was the eldest illegitimate son of Charles II. He was executed for treason on 15 July 1685 after his attempt to secure Protestant succession in England failed.



Since Bower was working for the Court and had signed the medal, it is probable that its intent was to ridicule the attempted rebellion. The legend on the reverse translates as 'His head is amongst the clouds'. After the execution of Monmouth, Judge Jeffries ensured that many of his followers were sold as slaves.

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Sold for
£4,000

Starting price
£1200