Britannia Recording Merit [obverse]

c. 1800

British 19th Century

Associated Names
The sculpture on the coin features a seated figure wearing a helmet with a classical design. The central figure holds a scepter and is surrounded by people, some of whom are children reaching out, while others are depicted as cherubs or angels. Some figures are following behind with a small building detailed with an arched structure in front of them. Rays of light emanate from the top left of the coin. The edge of the coin is inscribed with the Latin phrase "POSTERA CRESCES LAUDE RECENS." The design is finely detailed and rendered in a metallic material, likely bronze or a similar metal, giving it a uniform, brownish-gold color. The coin is circular with the sculpture presented in a relief style.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    silver

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 5.32 cm (2 1/8 in.)
    gross weight: 53.26 gr (0.117 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1999.109.8.a

Associated Artworks

This is a photograph of a commemorative medal. The medal features ornate script text and a decorative border, with the central inscription dedicating it to "W. Thackwray for Commercial Learning" and dated December 1809. It has an intricate border design with leaves and a bow, and the outer edge is engraved with the words "HONOS ALIT ARTES" and "THORP ARCH SEMINARY." The medal has a metallic finish.

Thorp Seminary Award [reverse]

British 19th Century

1809


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Purchased c. 1960/1985 by Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 1999 to NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 2:no. 952, repro.

Inscriptions

around bottom circumference: POSTERA CRESCES LAUDE RECENS; on plaque held by angel below Britannia: REGIS / OF / HON

Wikidata ID

Q63861589

You may be interested in

Loading Results