London Pharmaceutical Society, Linnaeus Medal 1830, specimen striking in bronze, by William Wyon

Obv: bust of Karl Linnaeus right

Rev: a youth at the feet of a seated Panacea, various legends and symbols

Condition: about as struck, very rare; Diameter: 46mm

References: E 1223; Storer 6530; Freeman - ; Forrer VI/681

Notes: Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778), also known as Carl von Linné, born in southern Sweden, is sometimes referred to as the Father of Taxonomy. His system for naming, ranking, and classifying organisms is still widely used today, with modification. Panacea (and Hygaeia, shown on the vase) were daughters of Aesculapius. This medal is sometimes referred to as being that of the Society of Apothecaries

Provenance: by direct descent from the Wyon family

Price £295