Royal Manchester Institute, Benjamin Arthur Heywood medal 1823, specimen striking in bronze, by William Wyon

Obv: bare head draped bust of Hewood right, his name vertically in left field

Rev: Royal Manchester Institute's facade, INSTITVTVM REGIVM MANCVNIENSE (Royal Manchester Institution), date in exergue

Condition: almost as issued, small carbon spot by neck, attractive; Diameter: 50mm

References: BHM 1209; E 1170; Taylor 111a

Notes: Heywood was a benefactor of the Institute, giving £500 which formed the basis of the Heywood Prize Fund. The Institution was founded in 1823 as a learned society, by Manchester merchants and others keen to promote the city as a cultural centre in addition to its manufacturing strengths. In 1835 the building depicted on this medal was completed, and now houses Manchester Art Gallery. This medal is very rare as a normal striking, and extremely rare as a specimen striking.

Provenance: by direct descent from the Wyon family

Price £295