Counter commemorating the Spanish galleons burnt in Vigo harbour, 1703

Counter commemorating the Spanish galleons burnt in Vigo harbour, 1703. Obverse: Bust of Admiral Louis Alexandre de Bourbon, Comte de Toulouse (1678-1737) in a long wig, low collar, and mantle (right). Legend: 'L . ALEXA . DE . BOURBON . C . DE . TOULOUZE . ADMIRAL . DE . FCE.' Reverse: A phoenix, wings outspread, upon a burning pile. Legend: 'SUO VIM SUMET AB IGNE.' (He shall take strength from the fire that consumes him.) Exergue: 'MARINE . 1703 .' This refers to the burning of the Spanish galleons in Vigo harbour at the French admiral's order, to prevent them falling into the hands of Admiral Rooke.

Object Details

ID: MEC0622
Collection: Coins and medals
Type: Counter
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Roussel, H.
Places: France
Events: War of the Spanish Succession: Battle of Vigo Bay, 1702
Date made: 1703
People: Bourbon, Louis Alexandre de
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 29 mm
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