Today's featured item available for purchase on our online shop is this stunning 1702 Queen Anne Bronze Coronation Medal, an extremely fine example with rich chocolate brown colour and only a very minor mark in the upper reverse field.
This medal was designed by engraver and medallist John Croker who for most of his life worked in England, serving provincial mints as well as that at the Tower of London. For some seven years he engraved the die stamps for the coins of King William III and Queen Anne before becoming Chief Engraver to the Royal Mint, a position he held from 1705 until his death. He is known to have worked closely with the head of the Mint, the famous scientist Isaac Newton.
Anne was Queen of England, Scotland and Ireland from 8 March 1702. On 1 May 1707, under the Acts of Union, the kingdoms of England and Scotland united as a single sovereign state known as Great Britain. Anne continued to reign as Queen of Great Britain and Ireland until her death in 1714. Under the Act of Settlement 1701, which excluded all Catholics, she was succeeded by her second cousin George I of the House of Hanover.
Obverse: Bust left, draped. ANNA D.G. MAG. BR. FRA. HIB. REGINA
Reverse: Pallas standing left., hurling thunder at two headed monster. VICEM. GERIT. ILLA. TONANTIS. Ex. INAVGRAT. XXIII. AP. MDCCII
