© ZacUK
© ZacUK
Medal - Duke of Argyle
1741 year| Bronze | - | 37 mm |
| Location | United Kingdom (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | George II (1727-1760) |
| Type | Commemorative medals › Personality medals |
| Year | 1741 |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Diameter | 37 mm |
| Thickness | 1 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-11-14 |
| Numista | N#143766 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
The Devil (Satan) leading Walpole by a rope around his neck towards the mouth of hell, in the form of the infernal beast. Lettering around and in exergue
Script: Latin
Lettering:
· · · MAKE · ROOM · FOR · SIR · ROBERT
NO : EXCISE
Edge
Plain
Comment
Catalogue: MI I, 561/190Satirical medal.
Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford, KG, KB, PC (26 August 1676 – 18 March 1745) is generally regarded as having been the first Prime Minister of Great Britain. This political medal was struck towards the end of his time in office when the influence of the Duke of Argyle, one of his main critics, was on the rise following the 1741 General Election. The 1733 Excise Bill (which failed to become law), one of his most unpopular policies. It sought to curb the loss of revenue from the smuggling of wine and tobacco, with a strictly enforced excise system of bonded warehouses and customs officers with increased powers. Walpole left office and retired as the newly appointed Earl of Orford a year later in early 1742.
