Medal commemorating Gibraltar relieved, 1783

Medal commemorating Gibraltar relieved, 1783. Obverse: Two allegorical female figures shaking hands, the shields of England, Ireland, France, Bavaria and Gibraltar at their feet; bombardments (left and right), the eye of Providence above. Legend: 'SIC HOSTES CONCORDIA IVNGIT AMICOS.' (So harmony joins together friend and foe.) Exergue: View of the harbour. 'PRVDENTIA & FATIS.' (By prudence and fate.) Reverse: The goddess of Peace with cornucopia in left hand and olive branch standing upon a prostrate warrior, an angel above proclaiming a message of peace on a trumpet 'FIAT PAX'. View of the siege of Gibraltar at back. Sun emerging from behind clouds to the left. Legend: 'ENSIBVS EX MARTIS LVX PACIS LAETA RESVRGIT.' (The joyous light of peace rises from amid the swords of war.) Exergue: 'OPE . VVLCANI . 1787' (With the help of Vulcan.) Probably by J. C. Reich.

Object Details

ID: MEC0346
Collection: Coins and medals
Type: Medal
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Reich, J. C.
Events: American War of Independence: Siege of Gibraltar, 1779
Date made: 1783
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 41 mm