An attractive example of this scarce Great Britain silver Medal by j. Roettiers. Refernce MI I, 606/8; E 273/274. Good Value at the offering price.

The J. Roettiers silver medal of James II and Mary of Modena refers to a historical medal crafted by the Roettiers family, a renowned dynasty of engravers and medalists. The medal specifically commemorates the reign of James II, who became King of England, Scotland, and Ireland in 1685, along with his wife Mary of Modena.

Here are some key points about the J. Roettiers silver medal of James II and Mary of Modena in 1685:

  1. Medalist:
    • The medal was created by a member of the Roettiers family, known for their skill in medal engraving. The Roettiers were a family of Flemish origin, and several members were active in England as medalists during the late 17th century.
  2. James II and Mary of Modena:
    • James II (reigned 1685-1688) was the second surviving son of King Charles I and the younger brother of King Charles II. Mary of Modena, an Italian princess, became his second wife in 1673.
  3. Accession Medal:
    • Medals like this were often created to commemorate significant events, such as a monarch's accession to the throne. In this case, it would likely be an accession medal for James II.
  4. Design Elements:
    • The medal would have featured portraits or depictions of James II and Mary of Modena. The reverse side might have included symbols or imagery associated with their reign.
  5. Material:
    • The medal you mentioned is made of silver, a common material for commemorative medals during this period.
  6. Historical Context:
    • The reign of James II was marked by political and religious tensions, particularly his attempts to promote Catholicism in a predominantly Protestant country. His reign ended with the Glorious Revolution of 1688.
  7. Numismatic Value:
    • Medals from this period can be of significant numismatic value, especially if they are well-preserved and have historical importance. The value can also be influenced by factors such as rarity and demand among collectors.
  8. Numismatic References:
    • To learn more about the specific details and historical context of this medal, you may want to consult numismatic references, catalogs, or auction records that specialize in English medals from the 17th century.