1 medal : silver (cliché)
George I’s coronation took place on 31 October 1714 (os), about a month after his arrival in Britain. Several medals were issued to commemorate the occasion; this is one of the most elaborate, and probably the rarest. Nicolaus Seeländer later went on to become Chief Engraver to the Mint at Hanover.

The reverse shows the King crowned by an angel and standing between Peace, Britannia, Justice and Genius (who holds the Electoral shield). The obverse surrounds the King’s head with the legend GEORGIVS I REX, each letter making a pictogram of one of the King’s virtues, explained in Latin immediately outside it. The G illustrates an arm holding a mirror, emblem of Prudence, identified by PRVDENS (prudent). The E makes the scales of Justice, identified by IVSTVS (Just). The O is an oak wreath for SERVATOR CIVIVM (preserver of citizens); the R makes a pelican feeding its young with its own blood for SALVT: PVBL. INVIGILANS (watchful of the public safety); the second G illustrates a rainbow for CLEMENS (merciful); the I makes a pillar for FORTIS (strong); a palm and olive branch form the V for PACIS AMANS (lover of peace); the S is an ivy branch for VIVAT REX OPT: (long live the excellent King); another I is made from a spear supporting a vine for FRVCT: APPAREANT (may the fruits be manifest); the second R llustrates St George and the Dragon for ADVERS: REPELLAT (may he subdue his enemies); a cornucopia forms the second E for PROSIT OMNIB. (may he bring prosperity to all). The final letter, X, is made from a sceptre crossed with a sword and is explained by the words, TVTOR BONOR. TERROR MALOR (the defender of the good, the terror of the wicked).

Text adapted from The First Georgians; Art and Monarchy 1714 - 1760, London, 2014.