Defined as a piece of metal, cast or struck, often coin-shaped, commemorative medallions are issued to honor a notable event or person. Cast medals were predominant in the 15th century, but by the 16th century this had largely been superceded by the die-strike method. read more

George I was King of Great Britain from 1714 until 1727, and elector of Hanover from 1698 until 1727. He was the first of the Hanoverian line of British rulers. This medallion celebrates his coronation as King of England. The son of Ernest Augustus, Elector of Hanover, a small Germanic principality, and Sophia, granddaughter of king James I of England, George succeeded Queen Anne by the terms of the act of settlement. Thoroughly German in tastes and habits, he never learned the English language, and he made periodic lengthy visits to Hanover, and despite his dutiful efforts to attend to his new kingdom's needs Hannover was his abiding primary concern. read more

The oldest son of King George V and Queen Mary, Edward was born in London in 1894. He was made Prince of Wales in 1911 at Carnarvon, in Welsh called Caernarfon, Castle, Wales, and was the first Prince of Wales to deliver his address in Welsh. This medallion commemorates that event. The Prince became a great traveler, and was often called the empire's salesman. After world war I, Edward traveled the globe promoting world peace, British trade, and the unity of the British Empire. His democratic spirit, charm, and diplomacy made him popular throughout the world, in Britain he was well-loved because of his interest in the living conditions of the underprivileged and working classes. read more

While most of Europe suffered great cultural and material setbacks during the middle ages, the mercantile cities of Italy enjoyed a Renaissance unequaled elsewhere. Industrious seafarers, merchants and bankers built a global trading and financing network so powerful that individual families often had more money than some small nations. read more

While most of Europe suffered great cultural and material setbacks during the middle ages, the mercantile cities of Italy enjoyed a Renaissance unequaled elsewhere. Industrious seafarers, merchants and bankers built a global trading and financing network so powerful that individual families often had more money than some small nations. read more

While most of Europe suffered great cultural and material setbacks during the middle ages, the mercantile cities of Italy enjoyed a Renaissance unequaled elsewhere. Industrious seafarers, merchants and bankers built a global trading and financing network so powerful that individual families often had more money than some small nations. read more

While most of Europe suffered great cultural and material setbacks during the middle ages, the mercantile cities of Italy enjoyed a Renaissance unequaled elsewhere. Industrious seafarers, merchants and bankers built a global trading and financing network so powerful that individual families often had more money than some small nations. read more

While most of Europe suffered great cultural and material setbacks during the middle ages, the mercantile cities of Italy enjoyed a Renaissance unequaled elsewhere. Industrious seafarers, merchants and bankers built a global trading and financing network so powerful that individual families often had more money than some small nations. read more