Royal Mint Waterloo Medals
Discover the unparalleled beauty and craftsmanship of the Great Engravers series, a tribute to numismatic excellence that began in 2020. This series features proof gold and silver coins celebrating the iconic works of master engraver William Wyon, including his legendary Three Graces design. Since then, this collection has grown to include other timeless designs such as Una and the Lion, the Gothic Crown, the Petition Crown, St George and the Dragon, and now, the extraordinary Waterloo Medal.
Benedetto Pistrucci’s Legacy
We are thrilled to showcase the second of Benedetto Pistrucci’s masterpieces in our collection. Starting his illustrious career as a gem engraver in Rome, Pistrucci’s exceptional talents brought him to London, where he quickly gained the attention of William Wellesley Pole, then Master of the Mint. Although Pistrucci never officially held the title of Chief Engraver, his role as The Royal Mint’s Chief Medallist allowed him to create some of the most exquisite works of numismatic art, including the renowned Waterloo Medal.
The Magnificent Waterloo Medal
Commissioned to commemorate the Allied victory at the Battle of Waterloo, the design of the Waterloo Medal took over 30 years to complete. This medal, considered one of the world’s greatest numismatic masterpieces, presents a rich allegorical depiction of the battle on both its obverse and reverse sides. Although it was never struck for distribution due to technical constraints and the passage of time, the original tooling and moulds have been preserved by The Royal Mint.
The Battle of Waterloo and the Four Allied Leaders
The Battle of Waterloo, fought on June 18, 1815, in present-day Belgium, was the decisive battle that ended Napoleon Bonaparte’s rule and reshaped Europe. This monumental clash saw the armies of the Seventh Coalition, composed of the United Kingdom, Prussia, Austria, and Russia, triumph over Napoleon’s forces. The coalition was led by four prominent leaders:
1. George, the Prince Regent (later King George IV) of the United Kingdom**: The Prince Regent played a crucial role in supporting the coalition forces, providing financial and military resources to ensure victory over Napoleon.
2. Emperor Francis I of Austria**: As the head of the Austrian Empire, Francis I was instrumental in forming the coalition and providing significant military support against Napoleon.
3. Tsar Alexander I of Russia**: Known for his strategic acumen and determination, Tsar Alexander I contributed to the coalition’s success with his vast Russian forces, playing a key role in the final defeat of Napoleon.
4. King Frederick William III of Prussia**: Leading the Prussian army, King Frederick William III’s troops were pivotal in the coalition’s victory, particularly in the critical moments of the battle.
Modern Techniques Meet Historical Artistry
Using Pistrucci’s original tooling combined with modern techniques, The Royal Mint has faithfully recreated the obverse design of the Waterloo Medal for the reverse of this 2024-dated coin. The coin features intricate effigies of these historical figures surrounded by allegorical figures from Greek and Roman mythology. The obverse proudly displays an effigy of HM King Charles III, designed by acclaimed sculptor Martin Jennings.
Exclusive Presentation
The gold coins are presented in luxurious hardwood high-gloss cases, each accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity. The silver options are housed in elegant black matte cases, also with a numbered certificate of authenticity. Each piece in this collection is a testament to the dedication to quality and artistry that The Royal Mint is renowned for.
Benedetto Pistrucci (1783 – 1855) is celebrated as one of the most impressive medallic artists in history. His Waterloo Medal, considered his true masterpiece, stands as a testament to his incredible skill and artistic vision. Commissioned by George, the Prince Regent, to celebrate the Allied victory at the Battle of Waterloo, Pistrucci’s work immortalizes the triumph and heroism of that pivotal moment in history.