temp. HANOVER. John Campbell and Robert Walpole. 1678-1743 and 1676-1745, respectively. Brass Medal (37mm, 11.47 g, 6h). The Duke of Argyle and Sir Robert Walpole. Struck 1741. · THE · GENEROUSE : DUKE : OF : ARGYLE (cross crosslet) · · ·, John Campbell (the Duke of Argyle) standing slightly right, wearing robes and the Collar of the Garter, and leaning upon column to right upon which rests a crown; a trophy of arms in the background to left; on a banner in exergue, NO · · PENTIONER / · · · MAKE · ROOM · FOR · SIR : ROBERT, devil advancing left, holding pitchfork and leading Robert Walpole (the Earl of Orford) by leash toward the mouth of a fantastic beast to left; NO : EXCISE in exergue. MI 561/190; Eimer 561. Choice EF.
Generally regarded as having been the first Prime Minister of Great Britain, Sir Robert Walpole, the 1st Earl of Orford, served under both George I and George II, holding a great deal of influence within their cabinets. This influence began to decline, however, following the death of his close friend Queen Caroline as well as the increased military conflict in which Great Britain found herself. Opposition led by the future George III (the current Prince of Wales) and the Duke of Argyle secured enough seats in Parliament to create a constant problem for Walpole. The naval disaster against Spain in the Battle of Cartagena de Indias in 1741 served as a de facto final blow to his political career, though he was elevated to the House of Lords by the King through the granting of an Earldom.
