European Medals from 1513 to 1788
Netherlands, The Dutch Republic. Medal (Silver, 52mm, 45.88 g 12), on the defeat of the Spanish Armada, by G. van Bylaer, 1588. (rose)xDVRVMxESTx CONTRAxSTIMVLOSxCALCITRARE (= it is hard to kick against goads ) The Pope, emperor, king, princes, bishops and others, blindfolded, seated in conference, their feet on a spiked floor; above, O.COECAS.HOMINVM.MENTES./ O.PECTORA.COECA. (= Oh! the blind minds, Oh! the blind hearts of men ). Rev. (rose)xTVxDEVSxMAGNVSx ETxMAGNAxFACISx TVxSOLVSxDEVSx (= You, God, art great and do great things; You God alone ) Scene of the destruction of the Spanish fleet; above, .VENI.VIDE.VIVE./1588. (= come! see! live! ). Eimer 56a. MI I, pp. 144-145, 111. Van Loon I, p. 384, i. A rare and historically important medal. Clear and very attractively toned. Fields above the types very lightly polished very long ago, traces of a removed mount at 12 on the reverse, otherwise , extremely fine. The obverse of this medal satirizes the enemies of Queen Elizabeth by showing them both blindfolded and with their feet resting on spikes!
Price realized | 6'000 CHF |
Starting price | 2'240 CHF |
Estimate | 2'800 CHF |