2024 UK 2oz Silver Proof - The Waterloo Medal Allied Leaders

The development of the Waterloo Medal has been well documented, both through The Royal Mint’s archives and external sources. A design imbued with intricacy and ornate detail, it is understandable how it could take an artist three decades to perfect, especially one so committed to originality as Benedetto Pistrucci.

The Obverse

The general design of the medal is treated allegorically, except the central part of the obverse, which represents the busts of the four allied monarchs, seen grouped in profile to the left: George, Prince Regent; Francis II (Emperor of Austria); Alexander I (Emperor of Russia); and Frederick William III (King of Prussia). An array of figures feature in the border framing these portraits, in a thoughtfully constructed tapestry which constitutes an allegorical and mythological allusion to the Treaty of Peace which resulted from the great triumph in the field of battle.

Apollo is presented at the top of the obverse in his quadriga restoring the day.

The rainbow Zephyr and Iris follow the chariot of the sun in succession, but the Zephyr is tending towards the earth and scattering flowers as a symbol of peace and tranquility.

The chariot hurtles towards the constellation Gemini and therefore symbolises the month in which the great contest took place. Castor and Pollux, with spears, represent the apotheosis of Wellington and Blücher; Themis, the goddess of Justice, appears on earth, as in the golden age.

This figure is placed in front of the profile busts of the sovereigns, to show that justice is a greater security to the government than power. The goddess is seated upon a rock, with a palm tree waving overhead; she is prepared to reward virtue with its branches in one hand, and in the other she holds a sword for the ready punishment of crime.

A robust man of mature age, bearded, and armed with a club, personifies Herculean power. He is seated under an oak tree and forms the corresponding figure at the back of the group of busts of the allied sovereigns.

• Paying tribute to one of Benedetto Pistrucci’s finest works, the Waterloo Medal
• The reverse of this coin features the obverse design Pistrucci created for the dies
• Struck using moulds of the original tools produced by Pistrucci
• The official coinage portrait of His Majesty King Charles III adorns the obverse of the coin
• Struck in two ounces of 999 fine silver and finished to the finest Proof standard