REVIEW: THE DR JEROME J PLATT COLLECTION OF 17TH CENTURY MEDALS 23 NOVEMBER

Leading the Dr Jerome J Platt Collection on 23 November was the Charles I, cast and chased gold Royalist badge by Thomas Rawlins (c.1620-70), which sold for a double top estimate £20,000.

Inscribed carolvs d g mag britan fran et hib rex fi d, acknowledging the king’s claim to the French throne as well as that of England and Scotland, the reverse shows a crowned royal arms within Garter. It was expected to be the highlight, but the hammer price proved exceptional.

Prince Rupert’s 1645 silver-gilt medal by Thomas Rawlins went over double top estimate at £11,000. Again, this was an exceptional price, but fitting for such a major figure of the Civil War. As Count Palatine of Rhine, Duke of Bavaria, and later Duke of Cumberland and Earl of Holderness, Prince Rupert (1619-82) was also grandson of James I and appointed General of the Horse in 1642.

He gained the first victory of the war for the Royalists at Worcester, going on to distinguish himself at Naseby, Marston Moor, and other actions.

Nicholas Briot (c.1579-1646) was the French engraver and medallist who became chief engraver to the Royal Mint in 1633, with Rawlins working under him later.

Briot’s 1643 Peace or War gold medal offered here depicts a laureate draped bust of Charles I. Estimated at £2,000-2,6000, it sold for £10,000.