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Auction: 22007 - British and World Coins and Commemorative Medals Autumn Auction
Lot: 776

Capture of the Citadel of Lille, AR Medal, 1708, by J. Croker, ANNA • D : G : MAG : BRI : FR : ET • HIB : REG :, crowned, armoured and draped bust left, rev. INSVLAE • CAPTAE • MDCCVIII •, Victory holding the shield of Lille above a plan of its fortifications, plain edge, 44mm, 37.36g (Eimer 435; MI ii 338/169; van Loon V, 119; Harding 4 this medal), some faint surface marks to otherwise pleasing proof-like surfaces, with light iridescent cabinet toning, a handsome extremely fine, a wondrous example of Croker's engraving genius

The siege of the city and the citadel of Lille was regarded as the most complicated operation of its kind in the eighteenth century. Prince Eugene conducted the siege whilst Marlborough held off the French forces attempting to relieve the city. The town itself was surrounded on the 23rd October, but Marshall Boufflers lost 10,000 of the original 15,000 garrison and the Allies lost about 14,000 in the attack. On account of the valiant defence the terms of the capitulation were generous and Boufflers was permitted to march out with all the honours of war.

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Sold for
£1,200

Starting price
£700