Henry II, from Jean Dassier's English Sovereigns series (1731), bronze

Obv: armoured, draped and helmeted bust of Henry II right, as seen from over his right shoulder, name and titles around

Rev: Mars, holding English shield, seated before Henry's tomb, upon which are the years of birth, coronation and death, trophies at base; on the pediment is a depiction of King Henry penitent at the tomb of Thomas Becket, and among the trophies lies the shield of Ireland.

Condition: Good very fine or better; Diameter: 40mm

References: MI i p.3; Eisler I 254/7; Thompson 5ii

Notes: The historical references on the medal's reverse are to the murder of the Archbishop of Canterbury (Becket) on Henry's orders, for which he did public penance, and the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland in 1170 under Strongbow.

Price £35