Earl Grey Appointment as Prime Minister Medalet

These satirical brass and copper tokens were produced during a period of immense political upheaval.

Obverse: Features a portrait of Earl Grey with the rallying inscription “BRITONS BE TRUE TO YOUR KING”.

Reverse: Contains a highly satirical image of the Duke of Wellington (the previous Prime Minister) being trampled by the British lion. It includes the mocking inscription: “By trampling on liberty I lost the reins. 1830.”

The Historical Context: Earl Grey took office in November 1830 after Wellington’s government collapsed due to their staunch opposition to parliamentary reform. Grey’s administration went on to pass the monumental Great Reform Act of 1832.

BHM# 1442, Batty# 2192

Minor verdigris on obverse, otherwise

Near Uncirculated Lustre

Rare thus