Collecting commemorative medals has become a popular pastime for many people who are interested in history and significant events in time. British commemorative medals in particular can hold a deep fascination for fans of royal and national milestones. There are many reasons to collect commemorative coins and medals, including personal interest, family links to ancestors and historical events and to act as a financial investment for the future.
Building up a commemorative medal collection can bring satisfaction and engagement with royal and national history. Collectors often specialise in themes, such as royalty, military, scientific or academic achievements, specific centuries or periods of history and more. Other attractions include the associated stories and intricate craftsmanship that has gone into designing and striking of the British commemorative medals.
Royal and National Events
The number and type of commemorative medals produced to mark royal and national events in Britain alone is too vast to cover in one article. From British Army commemorative medals and commemorative military medals to coronation commemorative medals and commemorative jubilee medals, the choice is wide indeed. Here are just a few examples of British royal and national events and their associated medals and medallions.
1658 Naval action of Tory Island
During the 17th-century, there was much political unrest across Europe, not least in the form of Oliver Cromwell overthrowing the monarchy in England and taking charge himself. Elsewhere in Europe, Spanish rule in the Habsburg domains was also being challenged by several groups. One such group was led by an Italian fisherman, named Tommaso Aniello (known as Masaniello). In 1647, when Masaniello was 27 years old, he led a revolt against the Spanish Hapsburg rulers in Naples, spurred on in part by the heavy taxes they imposed on fruit. The revolt was successful, but Masaniello was executed shortly after his victory by Spanish assassins.
Discover the Medal: 1658 Naval Action Of Tory Island Historical Medallion by W Muller
1689 William and Mary Coronation
In 1698, England, Scotland and Ireland saw the Coronation of their first – and last joint monarchs at Westminster Abbey in London. William and Mary ruled together for five years before Mary died of smallpox. William continued to rule alone until his death in 1702. The pair played a key role in reverting England to Protestantism and advancing Parliamentary democracy. They had no children, so the crown passed on William’s death to Mary’s sister, Anne. During their Coronation, William sat on the ancient Coronation chair, while Mary’s throne made especially for the occasion and is carefully preserved at Westminster Abbey.
Discover the Medal: 1689 William and Mary Coronation Historical Medallion by R Arondeaux
1707 Queen Anne and the Union of England and Scotland
Queen Anne, who followed William and Mary as monarch, passed the Acts of Union in 1707, uniting England and Scotland under one rule as the newly formed United Kingdom of Great Britain. A single Parliament replaced two separate ones, but Scotland retained its own legal system and church. Queen Anne was the last Stuart monarch and when she died in 1714 aged 49, the monarchy passed to George I and a new ruling house – the Hanovers.
Discover the Medal: 1707 Queen Anne - Union of England & Scotland Historical Medallion by J Croker
1798 Battle of the Nile
The Battle of the Nile in Egypt represented a great victory for Admiral Nelson and the British navy in its fight to prevent Napoleon Bonaparte from invading Great Britain at the end of the 18th century. The majority of Bonaparte’s ships were captured, cutting his army off from France and stranding them in Egypt. Nelson was made a Baron for his role in this important victory. Just seven years later in 1805, Nelson was victorious once again at his most famous conflict, the Battle of Trafalgar. He died during this battle and was given a state funeral at St Paul’s Cathedral in London.
Discover the Medal: 1798 Battle of the Nile Historical Medallion by J G Hancock/P Kempson
1814 Parliamentary thanks for Wellington’s services
Sir Arthur Wellesley, also known as the Duke of Wellington was another British war hero and politician who led his troops to victory at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Nicknamed ‘The Iron Duke’ for his discipline and strong will, the Duke of Wellington served as Prime Minister of England on two separate occasions (the first time from 1828 to 30 and again, briefly, in 1834). In 1814, at the height of his military career, the Duke of Wellington was formally thanked by Parliament for his services, with special commemorative service medals struck to mark the occasion.
Discover the Medal: 1814 Parliamentary Thanks for Wellingtons Services Historical Medallion by T Webb
1822 George III Royal Academy Award
Many British monarchs were keen patrons and supporters of the arts and science, often putting their name and face to special awards, coins and commemorative medals. George III was no exception to this. At the 1822 Royal Academy Exhibition, held at Somerset House in London, special George III Royal Academy Awards were presented in the form of a British commemorative medal to the worthy winners. These included artist John Arthur Cahusac, who was honoured by the Royal Academy during the Exhibition for the ‘best drawing from the antique’ on 10 December 1822.
Discover the Medal: 1822 George III Royal Academy Award Historical Medal by T Pingo
1890 Penny Postage Jubilee
In 1840, the penny postage was introduced, revolutionising the British postal system. A uniform penny postage rate opened up the postal service to the masses, making sending letters and parcels affordable and accessible to a wider public. The change facilitated communication, trade and social contact across Great Britain, contributing to the country’s social and economic advancement. 1890 saw the 50th anniversary of the world’s first adhesive stamp, the Penny Black, recognised with special Penny Postage Jubilee commemorative medals struck to mark the golden milestone year.
Discover the Medal: 1890 Penny Postage Jubilee Historical Medallion by L C Lauer