James I

James I, Naval Reward, the 'Ark Badge', c. 1620, cast bronze medal, possibly by Nicholas Hilliard, half-length bust of James I three-quarters right, wearing decorated armour, elaborate high lace collar and Garter George on ribbon, + IACOBVS DG MAG BRITA FR ET HI REX + / + FIDEI DEFENSOR, rev., smoke rises from chimney on Noah's Ark as it drifts on a wavy sea, + STET SALVVS IN VNDIS, 54.5 x 43.5mm (MI 233/95; cf. Eim. 101A). An old cast from a specimen with two small piercings at the top, very fine and very rare.

No original specimens appear to have survived and it is known only from cast copies.

Provenance: Clarence & Helen Zaar Maritime Collection, Classical Numismatic Group Auction, 25 May 2011 (lot 913).