Description:
English commemorative medal, c.1852
Diameter 47mm
The obverse features the bust of Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, facing left and the inscription 'ARTHUR DUKE OF WELLINGTON'. The reverse features an axe head bearing a thunderbolt with a spear and quiver crossed behind and a helmet above. The central image is surrounded by a wreath with banners above and below and surmounted by an eagle holding a full wreath in its talons. The banners bear the names of the city of Almeida and the fortresses of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz, the scenes of key battles in which the Duke of Wellington led the English force that defeated the French army in Portugal. The inscription around the outside reads 'BORN MAY 1ST 1769/ DIED SEPTEMBER 14TH 1852'.