Stock No. 3301	Charles II and Catherine - "The Golden Medal"
Beautifully executed silver medal of Charles II and his bride, Catherine of Braganza. By John Roettier, circa 1662. Named "The Golden Medal". Obverse: Bust of Charles II, right, laureate, with hair long and flowing over the front of one shoulder, in scale armour with lion's head on shoulder and mantle tied in a knot on the shoulder. Legend: CAROLVS . II . DEI . G . MAG . BRI . FRAN . ET . HIB . REX. Reverse: Bust of Catherine, right, hair gracefully and compactly arranged with a plain fillet and strings of pearls, one loose ringlet at each side of the neck. The gown is fastened with a brooch on the shoulder and a mantle thrown over it. Legend: CATHARINA . D . G . MAG . BRI . FRAN . ET . HIBER . REGINA. See "Medallic Illustrations" vol. I, p.489/111. Maker :- John Roettier

Condition :-A couple of slight edge knocks but the medal itself is Extremely Fine and nicely toned
Circa :- 1662
Size :- 1.7 inches (43.2 mm) diameter
John Roettier executed this beautiful medal about the time of the marriage. He had the courage to transform the awkward Portuguese head-dress into one which was more conformable to the English taste of that period. The medal did much to popularise this very important union. It was named "The Golden Medal" and was in great demand with the public and commemorated by Waller: "Our guard upon the royal side!/ On the reverse, our beauty's pride!/ Here we discern the frown and smile;/ The force and glory of our isle." The dies of this medal are in the British Museum. John Roettier was the eldest son of an Antwerp goldsmith. He came to England soon after the Restoration and was appointed one of the engravers at the Mint and Chief Engraver on the death of Thomas Rawlings in 1670. Apart from the major pieces made by Simons, Roettier's medals are the finest produced in England since the Restoration.

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