A Guide to the Exhibition of English Medals

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

This medal was struck after Monmouth's defeat at Sedgemoor.

267. Another. Defeat, 1685. Obv. Bust of Monmouth r., in armour and cloak, G. BOWERS F. Rev. Monmouth falling from rock in the ocean, on summit of which are three crowns, palm and laurel branches. SVPERI RISERE. (Ovid. Met. IV. 188.) IVLY 6^o. 1685. Silver. Size 1·95. Struck. By G. Bower.

This medal was issued after the failure of Monmouth's rebellion.

268. Monmouth beheaded, 1685. Obv. Bust, similar to preceding. IACOBVS DVX MONVMETHENSIS. G. BOWERS F. Rev. Two genii in clouds supporting ducal coronet, above cipher J. E. D. M. (James Edward, Duke of Monmouth). CAPVT INTER NVBILA. Silver. Size 1·95. Struck. By G. Bower.

Monmouth was executed on Tower Hill 15 July, 1685.

269. Another. Obv. Head of Monmouth r. IACOBUS INFELIX DUX MONUMETHENSIS. Rev. Decapitated head of Monmouth on ground spouting blood. HUNC SANGUINEM LIBO DEO LIBERATORI. CÆSA CERVIX. LON. IULY. 15/25 1685. Silver. Size 1·45. Struck. By J. Smeltzing.

270. Monmouth and Argyll, beheaded, 1685. Obv. Bust of King l., laur., on pedestal, and resting on the four sceptres of England, Scotland, Ireland and France, pedestal ornamented with royal shield in Garter, crowned, and inscribed, ARAS ET SCEPTRA TUEMUR. 1685. R. A. FEC.; in the distance, sea with ships and Neptune in sea-chariot. IACOBVS II. D. G. MAG. BRI. &c. Rev. On pedestal inscribed, AMBITIO MALESUADA RUIT, Justice holding sword and weighing three crowns against sword, torch and serpent; at her feet, bodies of Monmouth and Argyll, their heads on blocks inscribed with their names: distant view of troops destroyed by lightning, and Tower of London with heads on spears. Silver. Size 2·35. Struck. By R. Arondeaux.[18]

This medal commemorates the unsuccessful invasions of Monmouth and Argyll, both of whom were defeated, captured and beheaded, Monmouth in London, 15 July, 1685, and Argyll in Edinburgh 30 July following.

271. Naval or Military Reward, 1685. Obv. Bust of King r., wearing mantle. IACOBVS II. DEI GRA. ANG. SCOT, &c. J. R. (monogram). Rev. Trophy of arms; in the distance, naval engagement. GENVS ANTIQVVM. Silver. Size 2·5. Struck. By J. Roettier.

Struck for a naval or military reward and distributed after the defeats of Monmouth and Argyll.