Of the same fabric as No. [190]. Charles sailed from Scheveningen for England 2nd June 1660 (N. S.), with his court, on board the Naseby, the name of which ship was then changed to that of the Royal Charles.
193. Landing at Dover, 1660. Obv. Bust of King r., wearing armour, &c., within branches of laurel; around, legend with date of arrival in London, "1660 DIE 29 MAII." Outer legend. CAROLUS II. D. G. MAGN. BRITANN. &c.: I.R. (Monogram.) Rev. Ship approaching shore, on which England, Scotland and Ireland, personified, with three crowns, sceptre, and sword, await its arrival: above ship, star and eye of Providence, in the distance, Dover Castle. SI DEUS EST CUSTOS QUIS MEUS HOSTIS ERIT. Silver. Size 2·25. Struck. By John Roettier.[13] It may be considered the first of the large series of medals executed by him.
The King landed at Dover on the 26th of May 1660 (O. S.) and on the 29th following made his public entry into London.
194. Restoration, 1660. "Gigantomachia." Obv. Bust of King l., wearing robes and collar of the Garter. CAROLVS II. DEI GRATIA MAG. BR. &c. Rev. Jupiter, in clouds, carried by eagle, destroying with thunderbolt prostrate giants: G. Bower F.; ornamented border. Silver. Size 2·5. Struck. By G. Bower.[14]
Charles is here represented as Jupiter demolishing his foes, a probable allusion to the execution of the Regicides.
195. Another "Felicitas Britanniæ," 1660. Obv. Bust of King r., wearing armour and cloak. CAROLVS SECVNDUS D. G., MAG. BRIT. &c. Rev. Peace laureate, with scales and fasces, and accompanied by Minerva and Hercules presenting olive-branch to Britannia seated on sea-shore; behind, Fame: above, Genius with palm. FELICITAS BRITANNIÆ. 29 MAII. 1660; incuse. Silver. Size 3·3. Struck. By John Roettier.
The intention of the medallist is to show that the Restoration was effected under Providence by wisdom and fortitude, and that it produced to Britain justice, plenty and peace. (See also No. [197].)
196. Another. Obv. Head of King r., laureate. CAROLVS SECVNDVS DEI GRATIA MAG. BRI. &c. Rev. Britannia holding spear and shield, seated on sea-shore, and contemplating her navies. FAVENTE DEO; in ex., BRITANNIA; on edge, CAROLVS SECVNDVS PACIS ET IMPERII RESTITVTOR AVGVSTVS. Gold. Size 2·2. Struck. By John Roettier.
This and the next medal are without date. They appear, however, to commemorate the Restoration, but were not executed till several years afterwards. It is generally supposed that they were struck at the conclusion of the treaty of Breda, 31st July, 1667; but that is not possible, for Pepys in his diary under date 26th Feb. 1667, in speaking of this medal, says: "At my goldsmith's did observe the King's new medal where in little there is Mrs. Stewart's face as well done as ever I saw any thing in my whole life, I think: and a pretty thing it is that he should choose her face to represent Brittannia by." Mrs. Stuart, afterwards Duchess of Richmond, was one of the beauties at the court of Charles II. (See No. [245].)
197. Another. Obv. Bust of King r., wearing armour and cloak. AVGVSTISS. CAROLO SECVNDO P. P. I. R. (monogram). Rev. Hercules, Minerva, Peace, and Mercury (with features of the King) assembled around altar, behind which stands Prudence, leaning on shield with figure of Britannia, &c.: Plenty reposes in the foreground. NVLLVM NVMEN ABEST. (Juv. Sat. x. 365.) BRITANNIÆ. Gold. Size 2·4. Struck. By John Roettier.