Sir John Vanbrurgh, the medal of the Art Union of London, bronze 1855 on thick flan, by Benjamin Wyon

Obv: his draped bust three-quarters facing, in high relief

Rev: a view of Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

Edge: ART UNION OF LONDON 1855

Condition: Almost extremely fine but nose a little flat and obverse edge bruise at 9 o'clock, minor rim knocks; Diameter: 55mm

References: BHM 2572; E 1500; Taylor 42a; Beulah 183/8

Notes: Vanbrugh (1664-1726), dramatist and architect, led a varied life, including two years in a French prison for travelling in France without a passport (this was before the days of the European Union evidently). He managed London's Haymarket Theatre at one point, and designed Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace, the latter being home to the Dukes of Marlborough and the Churchill family.

Price £75