George II, Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle Proclaimed 1749, bronze medal by Kirk

Obv: laureate bust of George II left

Rev: Britannia seated on seashore with her shield and cornucopiae, implements of war at her feet, ships to sea, PAX COMERCII NUTRIX around (Peace the nurse of Commerce), in exergue PROCLAM 2 FEB MDCCXLVIII (Proclaimed 2 Feb 1748 - Old Style date)

Condition: Very fine; Diameter: 35mm

References: MI ii 651/354

Notes: Aix-la-Chapelle is more familiar to English-speakers as Aachen. The treaty ended the War of the Austrian Succession. The treaty, negotiated largely by Britain and France, was marked by the mutual restitution of conquests, including the fortress of Louisbourg (in Nova Scotia) to France and Madras (in India) to England. It preserved Maria Theresa's right to the Austrian lands, but the Habsburgs were weakened by Prussia's retention of Silesia. The treaty did not resolve any issues in the commercial colonial struggle between England and France and thus did not lead to a lasting peace.

Provenance: Cokayne collection

Price £120