Medal - Charles III The Relief of Barcelona

Reverse

Jason beneath pomegranate tree holds up the Golden Fleece, a cardinal, executioner (holding head) and frogs flee the city, seen in cityscape beyond, with English fleet at sea.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
NEC VIRES NEC VIRUS HABENT.
BARCELONE
M. DCCVI .

Engraver: Jan Smeltzing

Comment

The medal's reverse is full of symbolism; the cardinal depicted is Luis Manuel Fernández de Portocarrero, Archbishop of Toledo, who persuaded the childless Charles II to make a will in favour of Philip V, Duke of Anjou rather than Karl VI who was unsuccessful in claiming the throne of Spain as Charles III.