Society. The prize was to consist of a gold medal valued at
fifteen guineas and the balance of the two years’ interest in
money. No very appropriate dies had been used previous to
1847, in which year the Council of the Society ordered the
above medal to be struck, deeming that the head of Napier, the
illustrious inventor of Logarithms, would be a fit subject for
the obverse. Napier died at his castle of Merehiston, near
Edinburgh, in 1617.
78. N i c h o l a s a n d D o r o t h y W a d h am . 1618.
Bust of Nicholas Wadham, three-quarters, r., head bare,
in ruff and plain cloak. Leg. w h e n c h r i s t w h o i s o v r l i f e
s h a l a p p e a r e .
Rev. Bust of Dorothy Wadham, three-quarters, L, in damasked
gown, stiff ruff, and broad-brimmed hat. Leg. w e s h a l a p p e a r e
WITH HIM IN GLORY.
A narrow wreath, united by a skull at each side and end,
forms a border on both sides.
2-15 by 1*8. Med. Hist. xiii. 7. Perry, Supp. iii. 1.
MB. At. Bodley, At. Not very uncommon.
This piece consists of two plates, or shells, soldered together.
I t is said to have been struck in 1618 upon the death of the
wife, who survived her husband nine years. The first stone of
Wadham College, founded by them, was laid 31 July, 1610.
He was of a respectable family settled at Merrifield in Somersetshire,
and she was a daughter of Sir William Petre, principal
Secretary of State to Queen Elizabeth. He died in 1609,
aged 77. She died in 1618, aged 84. There are modern imitations
of this piece, cast and chased, and skilfully executed, and
rare.
74. G e o r g e V i l l i e r s , M a r q u e s s o f B u c k in g h a m . 1618.
Bust of Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, three-quarters,
r., in dress richly embroidered, lace ruff, ear-ring, and George of
the Garter hanging from his neck : curtain behind the portrait.
Leg. n o b i l i s s : d n ’ . g e o r g i u s v i l l : m a r c h io B u c k in g h am !® ; .
VTCEC . VILL : BARO WADDONI®! ANGLI®! ADMIRALLUS E t . (The
most noble Lord George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham,
Viscount Villiers, Baron of Waddon, Admiral of England, &c.)
Rev. Arms of the Marquess, with coronet, within the Garter;
supporters, helmet, crest, and motto, Fidei Goticula Gvux.
(The cross the test of Faith.) Behind, two anchors.
2-4 by 2..
MB. At. Unique ?
One of Simon Passe’s portraits, stamped in imitation of engraving.
This piece must have been issued between 1 Jan.
1618, when Villiers was created a Marquess, and May, 1623,
when he was advanced to a Dukedom. He was assassinated
by Felton, 23 Aug. 1628, aged 36.
75. Q u e e n A n n e . Died 1619.
Bust of Anne, I., hair compactly dressed, lovelock, ear-ring,
necklace, gown low in front, with broad lace collar behind.
Leg. a n n a : d : g : a n g l : s c o t : f r a n c : e t : h i b : r e g i n .
Rev. A pine-tree in full bearing : above, the crown beneath
the name of Jehovah, in Hebrew, radiate. Upon a band
across the tree is the Queen’s motto, l a m ia g r a n d e z z a d a l l
e c o e l s o . (My greatness is from on high.)
1'75. Med. Hist. xiii. 1.
MB. At. Very rare.
A complimentary medal of the Queen; the device is an
illustration of her motto. This medal is always cast, and
usually chased.
76. Q u e e n A n n e . Died 1619.
This is another precisely similar to the preceding, but of
different dimensions.
2.M
B. At. Advocates, At gilt. Very rare.
From the appearance of the countenance these medals were