The Collection of British Historical Medals formed by the late Ralph Kennedy

Earl of Shaftesbury Acquitted of High Treason, 1681, a silver medal by G. Bower, draped bust right, rev. view of London and the Tower seen from the south bank of the Thames, sun piercing clouds at upper right, 40mm, 28.52g (MI I, 583/259; E 261). Bright from past cleaning, otherwise good very fine £200-£260

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of British Historical Medals formed by the late Ralph Kennedy.

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Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury (1621-83), was arrested on 2 July 1681, accused of high treason for opposing King Charles II's brother, the future James II, and confined to the Tower. After a weak case was brought before a Whig grand jury, he was acquitted and released in February 1682. He fled to the Netherlands and died in exile