A few illustrations depicting some of the most noted medallions may be given with advantage.
The specimen below, one of the oldest in existence, was struck in gold to commemorate the glorious deeds of Julius Cæsar. Speaking of the medallion, Plutarch says:—
"Julius Cæsar, on his return to Rome, after having won a successful issue at the Battle of Pharsalus, was named the 'Liberator, the head of the Fatherland, the permanent dictator,' and received for the first time, the title of Emperor. The Senators, wishing to reward him for the humane treatment which he accorded those who fought against him, during the civil wars, erected a temple of Mercy, circular in shape, supported by six columns, in the middle of which is the figure of 'Concord' holding in the right hand the horn of Plenty and in the left a spear."
The first medallion given on this page was struck to commemorate the victory gained by William III at the Battle of the Boyne. The obverse shows a familiar portrait of the King, whilst the reverse depicts him in the act of crossing the river at the head of his troops.
The next medallion shows James II on the obverse, and an orange-tree laden with fruit by the side of an old oak, falling to the ground, on the reverse. The piece was evidently struck to commemorate the fall of James II, and the supremacy of the House of Orange.
The fourth medallion is one of the numerous specimens which were struck to do honour to Marlborough and his victorious army. The obverse shows Prince Eugène and the Duke, who are likened to the Roman deliverers, Castor and Pollux. On the reverse, a picture representing the rout of the French and the surrender of Marshal Tallard at Blenheim is given.