| SINCONA AG > Auction 96 | Auction date: 26 May 2025 |
| Lot number: 123 Price realized: 1,800 CHF (Approx. 2,192 USD / 1,932 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: SINCONA BRITISH COLLECTION – PART 6. BRITISH GOLD AND SILVER MEDALS. JAMES II. 1685-1688. Silver Medal 1685. Dukes of Monmouth and Argyle Beheaded. By R. Arondeaux. Bust of James II laureate, in Roman dress, resting on four sceptres, terminating in the badges of the kingdoms, upon a pedestal, in front of which is affixed the royal shield within the Garter, crowned; below inscription: ARAS ET SCEPTRA TUEMUR . 1685. Neptune in his cart, and ships in the distance. IACOBVS II D . G . MAG . BRI . FRAN . ET . HIB . REX. On base of pedestal R. A. FEC. Rv. A pedestal with inscription: AMBITIO MALESUADA RUIT. On it Justice, trampling on a serpent, weighs three crowns against the sword, the torch, and the serpent of Discord. At her feet lie the bodies of Monmouth and Argyle; their heads are on blocks inscribed IACOBUS DE MONTMOUT . ARCHIBALD D'ARGYL. Plain edge. 61.4 mm. 76.04 g. Eimer 281. MI i 615/27. van Loon III, 307,4. Saunders/Vanhoudt 1685-13. Feine Patina / Nicely toned. Kleiner Randfehler / Minor edge flaw. Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. (~€ 1'615/USD 1'745) From the auction Hess-Divo 267, Zurich, May 1996, lot 659. The beheadings of the Duke of Monmouth and the Duke of Argyll in 1685 were significant events in British history, marking the brutal suppression of rebellions against King James II of England and VII of Scotland. Both men were prominent figures who led separate uprisings against the king, and their executions were intended to serve as a stark warning to others who might challenge royal authority. They are remembered as tragic examples of the brutal politics of the late 17th century. Both men became symbols of resistance to tyranny, and their deaths highlighted the deep religious and political divisions in Britain at the time. Monmouth's botched execution, in particular, became infamous and was often cited as evidence of the cruelty of James II's regime. Argyll's martyrdom, meanwhile, reinforced the resolve of Scottish Presbyterians in their struggle against royal and episcopal authority. Starting price: 1500 CHF |  |
