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Auction: 22007 - British and World Coins and Commemorative Medals Autumn Auction
Lot: 778

Battle of Malplaquet, AR Medal, 1709, by J. Croker, ANNA • D : G • MAG : BRI : FR : ET • HIB : REG :, crowned and draped bust left, rev. CONCORDIA • ET • VIRTVTE, French entrenchments in a wood are attacked, Victory flying above, with two large laurel leaves, GALLIS • AD • TAISNIERE • DEVICTIS • AVG : XXXI • in exergue in four lines, edge plain, 48mm, 39.03g (Eimer 438; MI ii 359/197; Harding 41 this medal), very lightly pinmarked in otherwise pleasing proof-like surfaces, quite mirror-like in hand, with electric blue toning to the devices and legends, a handsome extremely fine

The allies had decided to invest Mons in 1709, but after having done so they had to pass a very strong defensive line constructed by Villars and protected by dense woods on either flank. Marlborough deployed 110,000 troops of which 30,000 were cavalry whilst the French army was about 90,000 strong. The battle was the most bloody of the 18th century. The allies lost 20,000 and the French around 14,000, a casualty list which was not exceeded until Borodino about 100 years later. The French were forced to retire from the field and the siege of Mons was completed. At this time negotiations for peace had been proceeding and the Tory party accused the Whigs and Marlborough of unnecessary bloodshed when a good peace could have been secured. The depiction of the battlefield is detailed with the greatest clarity and is a fine example of Croker's work.

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Sold for
£1,800

Starting price
£800