Royal Exchange opened 1844, silver medal by William Wyon, featuring the Penny Black portrait

Obv: diademed bust of Queen Victoria left, ROYAL EXCHANGE OPENED BY H.M. QUEEN VICTORIA OCT.28 1844 around

Rev: three shields below grasshopper within wreath, including City of London shield, FIRST STONE LAID BY H.R.H. PRINCE ALBERT JANY 17 1842 around

Condition: Extremely fine; Diameter: 28mm

References: BHM 2186; E 1392

Notes: the Wyon portrait on this medal had been used on the famous Penny Black stamp four years previously. The previous Royal Exchange building had been destroyed by fire in 1838.

Price £55