A Guide to the Exhibition of English MedalsBritish Museum. Department of Coins and Medals
History
A Guide to the Exhibition of English Medals
British Museum. Department of Coins and Medals
Medals -- Great Britain
Wyon, engraved the New Zealand (No. 603) and Abyssinian
(No. 605) medals. J. S. Wyon died in 1873, and the appointment which he
held was given to his brother, A. B. Wyon. Peter Wyon, the second son
of George Wyon, after the departure of his brother to London remained
at Birmingham, where he displayed great taste in his designs and models
for ornamental brass-work. Before his death he had the satisfaction
of seeing his son William enjoying greater reputation than himself.
William Wyon, the R.A., was born at Birmingham 1795, and in 1815 he
came to London. In the following year he was appointed Assistant
Engraver to the Mint, and in 1828 succeeded Pistrucci as Chief
Engraver. In 1832 he was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy,
and in 1838 Academician, this being the first instance of a medallist
receiving such distinction. Besides the numerous coinages which W.
Wyon executed, he produced a large series of military, academical,
and private medals. He died in 1851, and was succeeded in his post by
his son, L. C. Wyon, the present Engraver to the Mint, who, besides
engraving a large series of national, colonial, and foreign coinages,
has executed the medals for the Second Burmese War (No. 595), for
Campaigns in South Africa (No. 596), for Service in the Baltic (No.
598), for the Indian Mutiny (No. 601), for Arctic Discoveries (No.
602), for the Ashantee War (No. 606), &c.
The victories in the Peninsula were Vimiera, 21 Aug. 1808; Talavera,
26—28 July, 1809; Busaco, 27 Sep. 1810; Ciudad Rodrigo captured 19 Jan.
1812; Badajoz captured 7 Apr. 1812; and Salamanca, 22 July, 1812.
549. War with America: Action between "Wasp" and "Frolic,"
1812. _Obv._ Bust of Capt. James Jones r., in naval uniform.
JACOBUS JONES VIRTUS IN ARDUA TENDIT. FURST F. _Rev._
Engagement between the "Wasp" and "Frolic." VICTORIAM HOSTI
MAJORI CELERRIME RAPUIT; in ex., INTER WASP NAV. AMERI. ET
FROLIC NAV. ANG. DIE XVIII. OCT. MDCCCXII. FURST F. Silver.
Size 2·55. By—Furst.
On 18 Oct. 1812, after a short resistance the British ship "Frolic,"
commanded by Capt. Whingates, surrendered to the American ship "Wasp,"
under the command of Capt. James Jones, to whom this medal in gold
was awarded. Silver medals were presented to the other commissioned
officers.
550. George (IV.) Prince of Wales, Regent, 1814. Head of Prince
r., laur. GEORGIVS PRINCEPS WALLIÆ PATRIAM PRO PATRE REGENS.
MDCCCXIIII; on arm, I. BARBER F. &c. No reverse. Silver-gilt.
Size 2·75. Plaque by J. Barber.
On account of the ill-health of George III., the Prince of Wales was
appointed Regent by a Bill passed 5 Feb. 1811.
551. Peace of Paris, 1814. _Obv._ Head of Britannia l.,
wearing crested helmet ornamented with lion and olive-wreath.
BRITANNIA. J. MUDIE DT. _Rev._ Hercules facing, wearing lion's
skin, trampling on French standard and resting on club. THE
REPOSE OF HERCULES. MDCCCXIIII. DROZ F. MUDIE D. Silver. Size
1·6. By J. P. Droz.
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