Ancient, British and World Coins, Historical and Art Medals

Dr Henry Sacheverell, portrait medal, 1710, cast silver medal, 36mm (MI ii, 367/210). Good very fine, and rare

Henry Sachaverell (1674-1724), English political preacher, the son of a High Church rector. He held the Staffordshire vicarage of Cannock, when in 1709 he delivered the two sermons which have given him his place in history. In these he assailed the Revolution Settlement and the Act of Toleration, leading to his impeachment in 1710. His trial lasted from February 27th until March 20th; he was found guilty and suspended from preaching for three years. In 1713 he was presented to the rectory of St Andrews, Holborn, and subsequently little is heard of him save that he quarrelled with his parishioners and was suspected of complicity in a Jacobite plot. These silver medals was probably issued in 1710 at about the time of his trial for distribution among his many supporters.