Busacca Gallery

This is an amazing bronze profile portrait. 1833, Death of the Earl of Plymouth Commemorative Coin Medallion. 1833, Death of the Earl of Plymouth, Obverse; EARL OF PLYMOUTH NAT: 1789. MORT: 1833, bare head facing left, Reverse; PLAUDENTE ET LUCENTE COMITATU, a column, 50mm, 60.17g, bronze, by E. Avern, BHM-1652, VF/NVF, eks, small dents & scratches. The history of British numismatic commemorative medals and coins is rich and diverse, spanning centuries of political, cultural, and historical events. Here is an overview of the development and evolution of British commemorative numismatics: Early Commemorative Coins (17th Century): The tradition of British commemorative coins can be traced back to the 17th century. One of the earliest examples is the "Petition Crown" of 1663, issued during the reign of Charles II. It commemorated the presentation of a petition from the citizens of London. Medals of King George III (18th Century): King George III commissioned a series of medals to commemorate significant events during his reign. These medals covered topics ranging from military victories to cultural achievements. Waterloo Medal (1815): One of the most famous British commemorative medals is the Waterloo Medal, issued to British soldiers who fought at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. It features the profile of the Prince Regent, who later became George IV. Queen Victoria (19th Century): Queen Victoria's reign saw the issuance of numerous commemorative medals and coins, including those marking her long reign and the Great Exhibition of 1851. Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals (20th Century): Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897 and Queen Elizabeth II's Golden and Diamond Jubilees in the 20th and 21st centuries prompted the issuance of special commemorative coins and medals. WWI and WWII Commemoratives: Both World War I and World War II led to the issuance of medals and coins honoring the service and sacrifices of British soldiers and civilians. Decimalization (1971): In 1971, Britain switched to a decimal currency system, and this transition was marked by the release of commemorative coins. Modern Commemoratives: In recent years, the Royal Mint has produced a wide range of commemorative coins celebrating various events, from the London Olympics in 2012 to historical figures like Sir Winston Churchill. Annual Sets and Themes: The Royal Mint often releases annual sets of commemorative coins, each with a specific theme. These sets include various denominations and designs related to the chosen theme. Collector's Market: The British commemorative coin and medal market is robust, with collectors seeking both historic and contemporary pieces. Rare and historically significant coins and medals can fetch high prices at auctions. Special Occasions and Anniversaries: British commemorative coins and medals are issued to mark special occasions and anniversaries, such as royal weddings, births, and historical milestones. Design Excellence: British commemorative coins and medals are known for their artistic and design excellence. Renowned artists and designers have contributed to the creation of these pieces. Overall, British commemorative numismatics reflect the history, culture, and values of the nation. They serve as both historical records and collector's items, offering a tangible connection to important events and individuals in British history. Obverse (Front): Inscription: "EARL OF PLYMOUTH NAT: 1789. MORT: 1833" Features a bare head facing left, likely depicting the likeness of the Earl of Plymouth. Reverse (Back): Inscription: "PLAUDENTE ET LUCENTE COMITATU" Features a column. Specifications: Diameter: 50mm Weight: 60.17g Material: Bronze Designed by: E. Avern Reference: BHM-1652 Condition: VF/NVF (Very Fine/Near Very Fine) with some small dents and scratches. These types of commemorative medallions were common in the 18th and 19th centuries, and they were often created to honor notable individuals or events. In this case, the medallion was issued to commemorate the life and death of the Earl of Plymouth, who was born in 1789 and passed away in 1833. The inscription on the reverse, "PLAUDENTE ET LUCENTE COMITATU," likely has a Latin origin and could be translated as "With the approval and shine of the county" or something similar. It suggests that the Earl of Plymouth was well-regarded and esteemed by the local community.

Numismatics is the study and collection of coins, medals, and related objects such as tokens and paper currency. People who engage in numismatics are called numismatists. This field of interest covers a wide range of activities and areas, including: Collecting Coins and Medals: Many numismatists are collectors who acquire coins and medals for their historical, artistic, or monetary value. They may focus on specific types of coins, such as ancient coins, commemorative coins, or coins from a particular region or time period. Research and Study: Numismatists often conduct research to learn more about the history, culture, and context of the coins and medals they collect. This can involve studying minting techniques, historical events, and the symbolism depicted on the coins. Cataloging and Grading: Numismatists use specialized catalogs and grading systems to classify and assess the condition of coins and medals. The condition of a coin can significantly impact its value to collectors. Attending Coin Shows and Conventions: Coin shows and numismatic conventions are common events where collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts gather to buy, sell, and trade coins and medals. These events also provide opportunities for learning and networking within the numismatic community. Authentication: Determining the authenticity of a coin or medal is a crucial aspect of numismatics. Numismatists may use various methods, including visual examination, historical research, and scientific analysis, to verify the legitimacy of a coin. Preservation and Storage: Proper storage and preservation techniques are essential for maintaining the condition and value of collectible coins and medals. Numismatists often use coin holders, albums, and protective measures to safeguard their collections. Numismatic Literature: Many numismatists build libraries of numismatic books and publications to aid in their research and understanding of coins and medals. Market Trends and Valuation: Numismatists may also be interested in tracking market trends and the value of their collections. They may follow auction results and market reports to assess the current value of their coins and medals. Numismatics is a multidisciplinary field that combines aspects of history, art, economics, and archaeology. It provides valuable insights into the past and the cultures that produced these artifacts. Numismatists often find enjoyment in the pursuit of knowledge, the thrill of discovery, and the appreciation of the aesthetic and historical significance of coins and medals.