Charles I and Henrietta Maria medal

Silver gilt medal decorated with the bust of Charles I, facing right, wearing a crown, long hair, lace collar, ermine robes, chain and sign of George of the Garter. Legend: ‘CAROLUS D G MAG BRITAN FRAN ET HIB REX FI D’. On the reverse is the bust of his wife, Henrietta Maria, facing left. Her hair is flat on top, curly at the sides, drawn through a small coronet behind, and tied into a bow. She wears a pearl necklace and pendant, and a figured bodice with a brooch on the front. Her bust is terminated in drapery. Legend: HENRETTA MARIA D G MAG BRITAN FRAN ET HIB REG. The medallion is signed ‘T Rawlins’.

Badges and medals ‘containing our Royal image, and that of our dearest son, Prince Charles, to be delivered to wear on the breast’ were given to the king’s supporters. It was an offence to wear a medal which had not been earned or to sell one which had! The best were made by Thomas Rawlins ‘an excellent artist but a debased fellow’ at the Royal Mint.