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Great Britain - 1812

The British Army Enters Madrid

Obverse:

Bare head of the Duke of Wellington, left.

Legend:

LIEUT. GEN. MARQUIS WELLINGTON. K.B. &c. &c.

Exergue:

MDCCCXII

Size:

45 mm.

Reverse:

Column on which three shields and inscription VIMEIRA / TALAVERA / BUSA CO / CIUDAD RODRIGO / BADAJOZ / SALAMANCA Trophy of arms around

Legend:

ENTER'D MADRID AUGUST XII.

Vern's Comments:

The medal listed in BHM is 45mm and in d'Essling is 43mm. While clearly the same design it would appear that the Wyons produced two different sizes. Also, in hand the medal appears to be silvered white metal, not mentioned by either.

d'Essling:

Entrée a Madrid (Wyon). Buste de Wellington à g.
R. Monument orné des écus d'Angleterre, du Portugal et d'Espagne. Fonte de fer. 43 mm.

BHM:

AR, AE, WM 45 by T. Wyon Sr. and P. Wyon. 179

AR R; AE C; WM N.
G. 123/ 548; H. 247/8.
AM; BM; BMAG; NML

The French took Madrid in March 1808 and it remained in their hands until Wellington entered on 12 August 1812.

See also note to No. 735.

The British Army Enters Madrid