CNG 85, Lot: 1566. Estimate $500. Sold for $725. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

STUART. Charles II, with Catharine. 1660-1685. AR Medal (43mm, 40.27 g, 12h). Golden Medal. By J. Roettier. Struck 1662. CAROLVS · II · DEI · G · MAG · BRI · FRAN · ET · HIB · REX, laureate, draped, and armored bust of Charles right / CATHARINA · D · G · MAG · BRI · FRAN · ET · HIBER · REGINA, draped bust of Catharine right, with hair decorated with pearls and wearing necklace. MI 489/111; Eimer 224. EF, toned, a few light marks.

From a California Collection of British Historical Medals.

Produced around the time of Charles and Catharine's wedding in 1662, the ‘Golden Medal’ was an exceptional piece of artistry engraved by John Roettier and was so popular with the public that it was commemorated by the poet Edmund Waller:

“Our guard upon the royal side!/On the reverse, our beauty's pride!/Here we discern the frown and smile;/The force and glory of our isle.”