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Great Britain - 1830

Earl Grey Appointed Prime Minister

Obverse:

Bare head of Earl Grey, left.

Legend:

BRITONS BE TRVE TO YOUR KING

Exergue:

. EARL GREY .

Size:

22 mm.

Reverse:

The Duke of Wellington trampling on the British lion.

Legend:

BY TRAMPLING ON LIBERTY I LOST THE REINS

Exergue:

. 1830 .

Vern's Comments:

This may be a variant of 1442 or actually be 1443. No. 1443 has the traditional spelling of "TRUE", as does this example. But the description of the obverse says "Draped bust of Earl Grey, bare head, facing". This head does not appear draped and 'facing' implies three-quarter or full face.

BHM:

Br. 22 by ?
Br. CC.
AM; BM; BMAG; ML; NMW.
E.P.M. 1891/399.

This medal is indicative of the unpopularity of the Duke of Wellington who, as Prime Minister, refused to sanction Parlimentary Reform. He was forced to resign and Grey succeeded him in 1830. See also note to No. 508.

British Historical Medals 1760-1960 Volume I, p.349