Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 5 Pounds 2024, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Great Engravers Collection, The Waterloo Medal – Allied Leaders
  • 5 Pounds 2024, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Great Engravers Collection, The Waterloo Medal – Allied Leaders
Description

Great Engravers Collection continues with Benedetto Pistrucci’s Waterloo Medal, which portrays the allied leaders at its center.

The Waterloo Medal, commissioned to commemorate the pivotal Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815 in present-day Belgium, marked the conclusion of the Napoleonic Wars. Designed by the renowned Italian artist Benedetto Pistrucci, famous for his St George and dragon motif on Sovereigns, the medal's creation spanned decades and was never minted during Pistrucci's lifetime. Numismatists praise its intricate, allegorical engravings as among Britain's most remarkable designs. Unlike the military award for soldiers, this 130-millimeter medal was intended for dignitaries.

Obverse

Depicts King Charles III’s effigy, surrounded by the Latin inscription. Engraver's initials on the neck.

CHARLES III DEI GRATIA REX FIDEI DEFENSOR means King Charles III, by the Grace of God King, Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Martin Jennings (MJ)

•CHARLES III•D•G•REX•F•D•5 POUNDS•2024
MJ

Reverse

Depicts the profiles of four allied monarchs: George, Prince Regent; Francis II of Austria; Alexander I of Russia; and Frederick William III of Prussia. Surrounding these portraits, a border intricately weaves allegorical and mythological elements symbolizing the Treaty of Peace resulting from the victorious battle. At the top, Apollo rides his chariot, symbolizing the restoration of daylight. Following are Zephyr and Iris, with Zephyr dispersing flowers to signify peace. The chariot moves towards Gemini, representing the month of the battle. Castor and Pollux, armed with spears, symbolize Wellington and Blücher's triumph. Themis, goddess of Justice, is depicted on earth, emphasizing justice as crucial for governance, holding a palm branch for virtue and a sword for punishment. Lastly, a robust, mature man with a club represents Herculean power, seated under an oak tree behind the sovereigns' busts.

Design: Benedetto Pistrucci

Edge

5 Pounds (Crown)

Two Ounce Silver Proof Coin

Great Engravers Collection
The Waterloo Medal – Allied Leaders

Subscribe series
KM#
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 62.86 g
Diameter 40 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

Related coins

Two Ounce Silver Proof Coin, The Petition Crown, Charles II Effigy

Great Engravers Collection

Silver, 62.86 g, ⌀ 40 mm
Two Ounce Silver Proof Coin, The Petition Crown, Quartered Arms

Great Engravers Collection

Silver, 62.86 g, ⌀ 40 mm
Five Ounce Silver Proof Coin, The Petition Crown, Charles II Effigy

Great Engravers Collection

Silver, 156.3 g, ⌀ 65.6 mm