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Auction: 23051 - English Milled and Hammered Coins and Artefacts
Lot: 1150

Coronation of James II and Mary of Modena (1685-1688), Official AR Medal, 23 April 1685, by Jan Roettier for the Royal Mint, IACOBVS • II • D • G • ANG • SCO • FR • ET • HI • REX, laureate and draped bust right, rev. A • MILITARI • AD • REGIAM •, laurel wreath upon a cushion, above a crown held by a hand issuing from heaven, INAVGVRAT • 23 • AP • 1685 in exergue in two lines, edge plain, 34mm, 14.84g (Eimer 273; MI i 605/5-6; van Loon III, 303), lightly bagmarked and peripherally toned, very fine, scarce

Provenance

From the John Chatwin Collection



The engraver of James II's Coronation Medal was Jan Roettier. The Roettier brothers' were already revered by the time they came to the attention of the exiled Charles II, who in turn promised them positions in his Mint after the Restoration. The scene depicted on the reverse of James II's medal can be viewed as a stark indication of the religio-political turmoil of the reign. Unlike Charles's "angel of peace", a disembodied hand descending from heavens cuts a striking tone. The effect is austere, and an invocation to obedience towards authority and his legitimate right - a plea that would ultimately fall on deaf ears and bloody noses.



Once again, the Coronation date was set for St George's Day, however James decided against a Royal progress through London, stating that he wished to be seen as 'frugal and cautious'. What money he did save from this extravagance, he used to adorn his 27-year old Queen Consort, Mary Beatrice of Modena. The Coronation medals reflect this elevation, as Mary is also the first consort to receive a separate medal for the event in her own right. James was known to take an enormous personal interest in the arrangements, but far from courting popular support, became engrossed with the splendour of the ritual; he and his wife's appearance; and the mighty Coronation feast. The feast would be the jewel in his crown. No fewer than 1,445 dishes filled the extensive menu, including forty-six dishes of hot meat to be delivered in part on horseback.



The day was considered a success with joyful public celebrations taking place nationwide. There was a firework display held upon the Thames the following night and several contemporary accounts record scheduled banquets and impromptu carousing. However, his personal favour would not last, with the birth of a catholic heir male only three years ensuring James' ostracisation from England. Later commentators would remember the bad omens from his coronation, from the incidence of the King's crown appearing to fall from his head, and the Royal Standard canopy being torn in the wind during a Royal procession.

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Sold for
£260

Starting price
£120