Official Coronation Medals of Great Britain
The tradition of issuing official medals for the coronations of British monarchs began in 1603 with the coronation of James I. Initially, these medals were distributed by being thrown into crowds, a practice later discontinued due to the chaos it caused. The medals were relatively small to facilitate this distribution. However, as die-breaking was common, new dies with minor variations were often produced. Many examples listed here show such varieties.
Early medals were struck in silver and gold, with some produced in base metals for public sale. By the coronation of Edward VII, medals were issued in two sizes. Interestingly, no official medal was issued for the coronation of Elizabeth II.
References:
- BHM: Brown, L.E., British Historical Medals, 1760–1960, Volumes 1–3, London.
- Eimer: Christopher Eimer, British Commemorative Medals and Their Values, London, 2010.
- MI: Hawkins, Edward, Medallic Illustrations of the History of Great Britain and Ireland, London, multiple editions.
- Wollaston: Henry Wollaston, British Official Medals for Coronations and Jubilees, Nottingham, 1978.
For unofficial coronation medals, visit the Royalty page.
1603, Official Coronation Medal of James I
Country: England
Artist: Unsigned (possibly by C. Anthony)
Material: Silver, 29mm
Price: $950
SKU: 15835-JG
1626, Official Coronation Medal of Charles I
Country: England
Artist: Nicholas Briot
Material: Silver, 30mm
Price: $950
SKU: 15781-JG
1633, Scottish Coronation of Charles I
Country: Scotland
Artist: Nicholas Briot
Material: Silver, 28mm
Price: $950
SKU: S15c-E0933
1661, Official Coronation Medal of Charles II (Gold)
Country: England
Artist: Thomas Simon
Material: Gold, 29mm
Price: $6,000
SKU: 15824-JG
1685, Official Coronation Medal of Mary of Modena (Wife of James II)
Country: England
Artist: J. Roettiers
Material: Silver, 35mm
Price: $750
SKU: 15842-JH
1911, Great Britain. OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GEORGE V. Bronze
1911, Great Britain. OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GEORGE V. By Bertam MacKennel. Bronze 51mm. $50. Sorry, SOLD
Price: $0.00
SKU: 15877-JG
1911, Great Britain. OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GEORGE V. Silver 30mm. Cased
1911, Great Britain. OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GEORGE V. By Bertram Mackennel. Silver 30mm. $60. Sorry, SOLD
Price: $0.00
SKU: 15854-JG
1911, Great Britain. OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GEORGE V. Small silver, cased.
1911, Great Britain. OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GEORGE V. By Bertram Mackennel. Silver 30mm. Sorry, SOLD
Price: $0.00
SKU: EB
1911, Great Britain. OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GEORGE V.BHM 4022. Small silver.
1911, Great Britain. OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GEORGE V. By Bertram MacKennel.?Silver 30mm. In its original Royal Mint envelope. Sorry, SOLD
Price: $0.00
SKU: 15887-10S
1911, OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GEORGE V. BHM 4022 large silver.
1911, Great Britain. OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GEORGE V. By B. MacKennel. Silver 50mm. Sorry, SOLD
Price: $0.00
SKU: S17a-E9926
1937, Great Britain. OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GEORGE VI. BHM 4314. Small silver
1937, Great Britain. OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GOERGE VI. By Percy Metcalfe. Silver 32mm.$30. Sorry, SOLD
Price: $0.00
SKU: 15849-JG
1937, Great Britain. OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GEORGE VI. Bronze
1937, Great Britain. OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GEORGE VI. By Percy Metcalfe. Bronze 32mm. $20
Price: $20.00
SKU: 15850-JG
1937, Great Britain. OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GEORGE VI. In its original box
1937, Great Britain. OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GEORGE VI. By Percy Metcalfe. Silver 30mm. $35. Sorry, SOLD
Price: $0.00
SKU: JG15860-3A
1937, Great Britain. OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GEORGE VI. Small silver with matt finish
1937, Great Britain. OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GEORGE VI. By Percy Metcalfe. Silver 32mm. $60. Sorry, SOLD
Price: $0.00
SKU: 15851-JG
1937, OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GEORGE VI small silver matt finish
1937, Great Britain. OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GEORGE VI. By P. Metcalfe. Silver 32mm.Matt finish.? Sorry, SOLD
Price: $0.00
SKU: 10400506
1937, OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GEORGE VI. BHM 4314. Large.
1937, Great Britain. OFFICIAL CORONATION MEDAL OF GEORGE VI. By Percy Metcalfe. Silver 57mm. Sorry, SOLD
Price: $0.00
SKU: 14508-G5
1953, Great Britain. CORONATION OF ELIZABETH II. Bronze 51mm. By Dropsy
1953, Great Britain. CORONATION OF ELIZABETH II. By Henry Dropsy. Bronze 51mm. $50. Sorry, SOLD
Price: $0.00
SKU: 16268-8T