GERMANY. Hannover (Königreich). George IV, as Prince Regent, 1811-1820. Guelphic Medal 1815-1833 (Silver, 36 mm, 25.13 g, 12 h), pattern or presentation strike for Guelphic Medal for Military or Civil Merit. By W. Wyon and D. F. Loos. GEORG•PRINZ•REGENT / 1815 Laureate and draped bust of Georg IV to right. Rev. VERDIENST / UMS / VATERLAND in three lines within laurel wreath. Brockmann -, cf. 1061. Heyden -, cf. 222, 224. Nimmergut -, cf. 916. OEK -, cf. 744/1. Apparently unpublished as a pattern or presentation strike. Beautiful iridescent toning. Stained and tiny marks, otherwise, good extremely fine.


The Guelphic Medal was instituted on 12 August 1815, concurrently with the Royal Guelphic Order. It was intended primarily for non-commissioned officers and enlisted men who had distinguished themselves through merit and service. Although closely associated with the order, it constituted a distinct award in its own right.

Issued invariably with a suspension and an engraved edge naming the recipient, the medal was awarded primarily to participants in the Napoleonic Wars in recognition of meritorious service. Examples lacking both suspension and edge inscription have not been recorded. The present specimen must therefore be regarded either as a pattern or as a presentation strike, and is of exceptional rarity.