We don’t have an image of this object online yet. V&A Images may have a photograph that we can’t show online, but it may be possible to supply one to you. Email us at vaimages@vam.ac.uk for guidance about fees and timescales, quoting the accession number: 1757-1877
Find out about our images

Not currently on display at the V&A

Medal

17th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Bower, George (medallist)
Place of origin
England (made)

This is a silver medal made in the 17th century, and signed "G. B. (George Bower)" The obverse of this medal represents a profile heads of King James II. and Queen Mary. The reverse shows a ship of war on the ocean, and the words. The exergue is inscribed "Naufraga reperta, 1687."


Object details

Category
Medallions
Object type
Medal
Materials and techniques
Silver
Silver
Brief description
Medal, commemorating William Phip's successful raising of tresure from the 'Conception' in 1687, English, late 17th century.
Physical description
Obv., profile head of King James II. and Queen Mary. Rev., a ship of war on the ocean, and the words. In the exergue an inscription.
Dimensions
  • Diameter: 2.125in
Marks and inscriptions
  • "et Hib. Rex et Regina" (obv.)
  • "Semper tibi pendeat hamus" (rev. from Ovid.)
    Translation
    'Always let thy hook hang down'
  • "Naufraga reperta, 1687" (exergue)
    Translation
    'Ship refound, 1687'
Credit line
Given by W. Fleming, F.R.C.S.E.
Historical context
In 1687 William Phips from Maine found the wreck of one of one of the Spanish treasure fleet's ships, 'La Nuestra Senora de la Pura y Limpia Conception' on the Silver Banks north of what is now the Domican Republic and took a huge treasure from her. He took the treasure to England and after King James took his 10% the King knighted him. He was made the Governor of Massachusetts. After his wife was accused of witchcraft, he ended the Witchcraft Trials in Salem.
Production
signed G. B., probably George Bower.
Subjects depicted
Ship
James (II, King of England)
Queen Mary
Summary
This is a silver medal made in the 17th century, and signed "G. B. (George Bower)" The obverse of this medal represents a profile heads of King James II. and Queen Mary. The reverse shows a ship of war on the ocean, and the words. The exergue is inscribed "Naufraga reperta, 1687."
Bibliographic reference
List of Objects in the Art Division, South Kensington, Acquired During the Year 1877, Arranged According to the Dates of Acquisition. London : Printed by George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode for H.M.S.O. p. 155.
Collection
Sculpture Collection
Accession number
1757-1877

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdDecember 2, 2008
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O176245/medal-unknown/
Download as: JSON