The Great Exhibition, Crystal Palace 1851, official bronze prize medal, rare variety, by Leonard Charles Wyon

Obv: conjoined busts of Victoria and Albert, dolphins and trident in field

Rev: Britannia seated places laurels over Industry, figures of Europe, Africa, Asia and America look on, symbols of art and industry beyond

Edge: engraved PRIZE MEDAL OF THE EXHIBITION GAUDET DU FRESNE CLASS XXIX

Condition: Good very fine, obverse edge bruise at 3 o'clock, tip of Albert's nose dented, minor surface marks; Diameter: 77mm

References: Allen HP-025; BHM -

Notes: This is the variety of the official exhibitor's prize medal which is signed in the reverse exergue LEONARD C WYON DES & SC ROYAL MINT LONDON, and no stop after LIGAVIT. Allen says that this is the type usually found in the presentation sets, so presumably this one "escaped" and was awarded in error. Mr Gaudet du Fresne appears to have been a 'feuillagiste' - creating imaginative displays from leaves.

Price £150