A Guide to the Exhibition of English Medals

by British Museum. Department of Coins and Medals; Herbert A. Grueber

In the autumn of 1779 Scotland was much alarmed by the daring exploits of Captain John Paul Jones, who in command of an American squadron attacked her coasts, captured numerous prizes, and even threatened Edinburgh. This medal records the capture, on 13 Sep. 1779, of the English frigate Serapis, Captain Pearson, by the Bon Homme Richard, commanded by Captain Paul Jones, to whom it was awarded, in gold.

523. Defeat of Royal Forces at Cowpens, 1781. Obv. English cavalry flying before American; Lieut.-Colonel Washington on horseback l., commanding; above, Victory with wreath and palms. GULIELMO WASHINGTON LEGIONIS EQUIT. PRÆFECTO; in ex., COMITIA AMERICAN, DU V. Rev. Within laurel-wreath, inscription in Latin, giving date of battle of Cowpens, XVII. JAN. MDCCLXXXI. &c. Copper. Size 2·8. By B. Du Vivier.[37]

On 17 Jan. 1781, Colonel Tarleton, who commanded the British troops, was defeated at a place called Cowpens by a force under General Morgan and Lieut.-Colonel Washington, nephew of the Commander-in-chief.

524. Prosecution of the War with America, 1781. Obv. Bust of King l., laur., in armour and cloak. GEORGIUS III. REX ANG. Rev. Lion l., bursting his bonds. INDOCILIS PATI; in ex., IN PERPET. MEMOR. MDCCLXXXI. Silver. Size 2·1.

This medal illustrates the determination of England to prosecute the war with America to the "bitter end." The independence of the Colonies was, however, acknowledged in the following year, 30 Nov. 1782, by the Treaty of Paris.

525. War with Holland: Capture of the Island of St. Eustatius, 1781. Obv. Bust of Admiral Rodney r., in naval uniform. G. B. RODNEY. Rev. Within oak-wreath, IN MEMORY OF THE GLORIOUS 3^RD. FEB^RY. 1781 WHEN S GEORGE PUNISH'D THE DUTCH &c. &c. Silver. Size 1·35.

Holland having formed a secret treaty with the United States, a declaration of war was proclaimed in London, and on 3 Feb. 1781 Admiral Sir George Rodney captured from the Dutch the rich Island of St. Eustatius, in the West Indies. It was recaptured by the French in the following year.

526. Action off Cadiz, 1781: Capture of the Castor. Obv. Ships on sea; one sinking. VIS VI FORTITER REPULSA; in ex., PROPE GADES. XXX. MAY. MDCCLXXXI. Rev. Trophy of three shields, arms of Holland and of the Dutch ships the Castor and Brill? surmounted by naval crown, anchors, and two flags inscribed, P. MELVILL NAVARCHUS, and G. OORTHUIS NAVARCH.; sun rising. ANTIQVA VIRTVTE DVVMVIRI; below, festoons with lion's head in centre. I. G. HOLTZHEY FEC. Silver. Size 1·75. By J. G. Holtzhey.

This medal commemorates the action on 30 May, 1781, between the English ships, the Flora and Crescent, and the Dutch ships, the Castor and Brill. The fight ended in the capture of the Castor, commanded by Capt. Melvill. Capt. Oorthuis commanded the Brill.

527. Action off Dogger Bank, 1781. Obv. Victory r., holding wreath and palm, on prow inscribed, DOGGERS BANK—PAX QVAERITVR BELLO. V. AVG. MDCCLXXXI. S. Rev. Within laurel-wreath, EXIMIAE VIRTVTIS PRAEMIVM; around, MVNIFICENTIA PRINCIPIS AVRIACI. Gold. Size 1·4; with ring for suspension.