Charles I

Charles I, the Dominion of the Sea, cast silver medal, undated [1639], by Nicolas Briot, bust right, wearing plain collar over armour with lion's head shoulder plate, Garter George suspended from ribbon, signed behind shoulder BRIOT, CAROLVS I DG MAG BRITANN FRAN ET HIB REX, rev., ship sailing right, NEC META MIHI QVÆ TERMINVS ORBE, 60mm (MI 285/97; BHM [Jones] 174; Eim. 136; MH 29; Farquhar I, 203; Platt, pp. 147-48). A choice example of a wonderful portrait medal, extremely fine, toned and rare.

Whilst the reverse is identical to the second of the two earlier 'Dominion of the Sea' medals (lot 217), the obverse shows an older king, in armour rather than a cloak. The medal emphasizes Charles's position following the destruction of the Spanish fleet off Dover (lot 248), when the English were in negotiations with Admiral Antonio de Oquendo.

Provenance: Ex Papillon Collection, Bonhams Auction, 25 March, 1998 (lot 22); Spink Auction, 27 February, 1980 (lot 371).