1685 Coronation of Mary, Silver Medal by John Roettier

The official issue for the coronation. Struck from more than one pair of dies. Mary Beatrice (1685-1718), daughter of Alphonso IV, Duke of Modena; married James (II) in 1673.

The Roettier brothers from Holland had come to prominence as engravers during the exile of Charles II in the Parliamentarian period, and were held in such favour by Charles that he promised them positions in his Mint at the Restoration. This famously led to the competition in 1663 between the former Parliamentarian engraver, the highly regarded Thomas Simon and the brothers Roettier. However, the fact Simon had worked for Oliver Cromwell meant his position was doomed from the start leading to his famous "Petition Crown" to the King dated 1663, arguably the most magnificent piece of milled engraving work in the British coin series, to no avail. The Roettiers were in favour and Simon was relegated to working on the small silver only.

- Obverse - Laureate and draped bust right, MARIA. D.G. ANG. SCO. FR. ET. HI. REGINA.
- Reverse - The Queen, seated, on a mound, O. DEA. CERTE
- Diameter 34mm
- Weight 15.89g
- Good very fine condition, rare
- The official coronation medal from a mintage of only 400 in silver
- Presented in Royal Mint presentation pack with certificate of authenticity