BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, Eton, Eton College, Duke of Newcastle Medal, 1833, a copper specimen medal by W. Wyon, bust of Henry Pelham right, rev. legend in wreath, edge un-named, 36mm, 27.58g (BHM 1646; MJP p.39; cf. DNW M7, 2231); Earl of Strafford Prize for Shakespeare, 1881, a copper specimen medal, unsigned [by L.C. Wyon], bust of William Shakespeare three-quarters left, rev. legend in and around a border of stars, 44mm, 34.76g (MJP p.39; cf. Bonhams 13.xii.2012, 536) [2]. Extremely fine and better, first an early striking without the usual die flaw in field on obverse £80-100

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, British Educational Award Medals from the Collection formed by the late T.H. Watts.

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The Newcastle Scholarship is Eton College’s most prestigious prize. It was instituted in 1829 by Henry Pelham-Clinton, 4th Duke of Newcastle (1785-1851), with the winner being awarded a cash sum of £250 and the runner-up receiving a gold medal. The Strafford Prize for Shakespeare was endowed by George Stevens Byng, 2nd Earl of Strafford (1806-86), in 1881