Anthony Ashley Cooper (1621-1683)

Anthony Ashley Cooper (1621-1683), Earl of Shaftesbury, released from the Tower, gilt-silver medal, 1681, by George Bower, bust right with long hair and mantle, ANTONIO COMITI DE SHAFTESBVRY, rev., London cityscape from [old] St. Paul's to the Tower, with London Bridge towards centre, 40.5mm (MI 583/259; Eim. 261). A superb example, choice extremely fine, rare.

Anthony Ashley Cooper, prominent politician of the Interregnum and during the reign of King Charles II, whose downfall was to support the claims on the Duke of Monmouth. He was a patron of John Locke.

Provenance: Bt. D. Fearon, October 2008.