Lot 3157

Description

George I, 1718, The Defeat of Spanish Fleet off Cape Passarro, silver medal by J Croker, 45mm, 37 grams, obverse, laureate draped bust of King George I to right, around GEORGIVS DG MAG BR FR ET HIB REX F:D:, reverse, statue of the King as Neptune on a rostral column, surrounded by captured naval trophies, around SOCIORVM PROTECTOR, (Eimer 481; MI 11 437/39). Better than extremely fine, attractive tone.

The medal features one of the finest portraits of George I. This medal celebrates the defeat of a Spanish fleet under Admirals Antonio de Gaztaneta and Ferdinand Chacon by a British fleet under George Byng. Four months later Britain, France and Austria declared war on Spain and Byng became a Rear Admiral and a Privy Councillor.