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Great Britain - 1805

Foundation of Christchurch, Birmingham

Obverse:

uirassed, draped bust of George III, right. GEORGIUS III . D : G . BRITANNIARUM REX . F . D

Size:

42 mm.

Reverse:

View of the church. AED . XTI : LAP . PRIM : ANG : P : C : GEO III : FIDEI COLUMEN . PRÆSIDIUM DECUS
(The first cornerstone of Christchurch laid in the presence of George III, the support, defender and glory of the Faith).

Exergue:

BIRM : XI . CAL : AUG : / MDCCCV
(Birmingham, 22 August 1805).

Vern's Comments:

In a rare error for this reference the date on the medal clearly says 11 August 1805. This example is in white metal.

Spinks - 256.10 - p. 57

BHM:

AV, AR, AE, WM 42 by T. Webb
AV RRR; AR N; AE C; WM R.
Fi. 441; J.T. 65a.
AM; BM; BMAG; HC(c); ML.

The Gentlemen's Magazine for 1805 illustrates this medal and states that it was generally circulated in commemoration of the event. Some specimens were worn at the ceremony suspended from blue ribbons. The British Museum has an example in gold which was presented to George III.

Foundation of Christchurch, Birmingham