A Guide to the Exhibition of English Medals

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

Commemorative of the declaration of amnesty, which William issued upon his arrival in Dublin.

363. Mary Regent, 1691. Obv. Heads jugate r., of King and Queen laur. GULIELM. R. MARIA REGINA. F. D. P. A. I. S. Rev. Lioness l., trampling on snakes, near cave occupied by three cubs; lion departing. TE ABSENTE TUEBOR; in ex., REGI REDUCI. Silver. Size 1·45. By J. Smeltzing.

In Jan. 1691 William quitted England for Holland, leaving the Queen Regent. The three kingdoms are represented by the cubs.

364. William's Return to Holland, 1691. Obv. Bust of King r., laur., in armour and cloak. GULIELM. III. D. G. BRIT. R. AR. PR. BELG. GUB. J. S. (monogram). Rev. Sun rising on coast of Holland; sea covered with shipping. RECREO DUM REDEO. MDCXCI. Silver. Size 2·3. By J. Smeltzing.

William's return to Holland revived the spirit of the Dutch.

365. Return to Holland and Rejoicings at the Hague, 1691. Obv. King and suite in open boat r.; horseman approaching it. QUID METUAS CÆSAREM VEHIS; in ex., REGI GUILHELMO PER GLACIEM NUBILA ET SYRTES REDUCI. Rev. Belgia and Muse witnessing fireworks; in the distance, triumphal arch, &c. IO TRIUMPHE; in ex., D. F. A. REGE RECCRTO (sic) 5 feb^r. 1691. D. KOENE. Silver. Size 1·8. By D. Koene.

After a very stormy passage, William landed on the coast of Holland in an open boat. On approaching the shore, a countryman rode into the water to inquire who they were, but the horseman, being an old servant of the King, at once recognised his master. Great rejoicings and displays of fireworks took place upon William's entry into the Hague.

366. Triumphal Entry into the Hague, 1691. Obv. Bust of King r., laur., in armour and cloak. GVILIELMVS III. MAGNUS FID. STAT. Rev. Triumphal arch, with semicircular advancing wings, enclosing two obelisks. REG. GUILELMO ET ATAVIS PRINC.; in ex., TRIUMFHOS (sic) REGIOS ET PATRIOS, &c. COSS. HAGIENSES IN FORO POSUERUNT. M.S. Silver. Size 2·85. By M. Smeltzing.

This triumphal arch was erected in the market-place at the Hague. Martin Smeltzing was the younger brother of J. Smeltzing. He lived at Amsterdam, and executed medals for William III. of England, Charles III. of Spain, and Augustus II. of Poland.

367. William III. and Louis XIV. contrasted, 1691. Obv. William in Roman dress, holding sword and standard with Christian monogram and cap of Liberty resting on globe: on l., shields of England, Scotland, and Ireland, arms, &c.; on r., harpies flying. HIS ARMIS TRIA REGNA PARAT; in ex., GUILELMUS III. LIBERATOR FLORENS. Rev. Louis XIV. in Roman dress, decrepit, leaning on sword composed of coins, which rests on bomb-shell; above, lightnings; in the distance, Mons in flames and state carriage of Louis, followed by women. UNAM SIC OCCUPAT URBEM; in ex., LUDOVICUS XIIII. OPPRESSOR DECREPITUS. Silver. Size 2·05. Dutch.