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Great Britain - 1795

Constitutional Medal

Obverse:

An English domestic scene within an open wreath. Imperial crown above, GOD SAVE THE KING. Around: THE LAND WE LIVE IN AND MAY THOSE WHO DONT LIKE IT LEAVE IT.

Size:

48.7 mm.

Reverse:

A French aristocrat decapitated, pointing to his head on the ground, devil in background. ABHOR EVIL CLEAVE TO THAT WHICH IS GOOD. Inscription around: A PHILOSOPHICAL CURE FOR ALL EVILS * LICENTIOUS LIBERTY IS DESTRUCTION *

Vern's Comments:

We've got it good, France is messed up, like it or leave it! Listed as N rarity in BHM but not showing up anywhere else. BHM shows it only in the British Museum. It's quite thick at 5mm.

BHM:

WM 49 by W. Whitley.

WM N.
BM.

This is an emblematical medal, expressing the blessing of the British constitution on one side and the effects of licentious liberty on the other. It was struck as an appeal to the good sense and virtue of the nation. An advertisement for the piece states that it is recommended to the friends of the constitution for distribution among friends, dependents and neighbours, sold, wholesale and retail by B. Laver, Goldsmith of Bruton Street, Berkeley Square and by A. B. Portal at his wholesale plate and cutlery warehouse, No. 19 Castle Street, Holborn, retail price was I/6d. each with a liberal allowance for wholesale, in no less quantity than a dozen, for ready money only.

Constitutional Medal