Antique 1733 Silver Medal King of Poland Augustus II The Strong By Georg Wilhelm Vestner

Scarce antique 18th-century posthumous medal struck in 1733 from solid silver to commemorate the death of Augustus II the Strong in 1733. Made by the medalist Georg Wilhelm Vestner (1677-1740).

Obverse: The bust of the King is to the right, around the inscription D G AVGVSTVS II REX POLON ELECT SAXON. It is signed under the bust "VESTNER. F." 

On the obverse, to the right of the King's bust, there is an inscription from the end of the 18th century commemorating the birth of Barbara Ann Williamson in Worcester (England) on November 24, 1782. Most likely, the medal was a valuable gift given to the infant.

Reverse: Pyramid with the attributes of Hercules, on the left, an ascending angel with a portrait of the King, around INFERTVR VINDEX TERRAE RADIANTIBVS ASTRIS Ovid in the episode, the inscription MORTALES EXVIT ARTVS / VARSOVIAE KAL FEBR / MDCCXXXIII.

King Augustus II, "The Strong" (Polish "August Mocny," German "August der Starke"), was King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania (reigned 1697-1704 and 1709-1733) and also the prince-elector of Saxony, as Friederich August I (ruled 1694-1733).

MATERIAL: Solid silver.

DIAMETER in approximately: 44 mm (1.73 inches).

THICKNESS: 3 mm.

WEIGHT: 28.5. grams.

CONDITION: Considering its age of 290 years, the overall condition is good despite slight wear and tear, including patina, scratches, and nicks. Its rarity makes it desirable in any state of preservation.

Please see all photos in the listing, as they are part of the description of the item's condition.

REFERENCE: "Gabinet Medalów Polskich oraz tych które się dziejów Polski tyczą począwszy od wstąpienia na tron Augusta II aż do zgonu syna jego Augusta III (1697 - 1763)". No.362.

Please see the link below:

https://gabinetmedalow.m4n.pl/data.php?medal=362

A related medal is in the Museum of the Royal Castle collection in Warsaw, Poland. Please see the link below.

https://kolekcja.zamek-krolewski.pl/obiekt/kolekcja/Gabinet%20Numizmatyczny/tworca/Vestner%2C%20Georg%20Wilhelm%20(1677-1740)/id/ZKW.N.5422

A related medal was sold in Poland on 24-02-2012 for 12,000 Polish Złoty ($ 3,922.00).

Please see the link below:

https://wcn.pl/auctions/50/51

The price mentioned in this context is from 11 years ago when antiques were comparatively cheaper, and the value of the Polish zloty was higher than it is today. 

We will provide the buyer with copies of the pages from the mentioned reference, together with a certificate of authenticity.