Charles II

Charles II, Liberty of Conscience, silver medal (1672), by Philip Roettiers, laureate, draped and armoured bust right, his hair short, OPTIMO PRINCIPI CARLO II DG M BRIT FRAN ET HIB REGI, rev., Liberty seated on a dais inscribed LIBERTAS, holding a book in her left hand, a sword and cornucopia in her right, FIDEI DEFENSORI RELIGIONIS REFORMATAE PROTECTORI, 58.5mm (MI 553/214; Eim. 249; ). Choice extremely fine, without patination, rare.

On 15 March, 1672, Charles II issued his "Royal Declaration of Indulgence.", which extended religious liberty to Protestant nonconformists and Roman Catholics especially, in the case of the latter, lifting the penalties for those who refused to attend Anglican Church services.

Provenance: Jean Elsen Auction, 24 October, 2004 (lot 3143).