1799 (1801) Capture of Seringapatam medal. Gold, mounted and glazed, 49.5 mm. MY-79, BBM-27. Choice Mint State.

Majestic 1799 (1801) Gold Seringapatam Medal

Dies by Conrad Kuchler of Boulton and Watt

1799 (1801) Capture of Seringapatam medal. Gold, mounted and glazed, 49.5 mm. MY-79, BBM-27. Choice Mint State.

1483.1 grains. A spectacular presentation, a deeply reflective proof striking in gold, set into a custom gold and glass mount in the era of production. The surfaces are deep yellow gold, lacquered to safeguard the deeply mirrored fields and frosted devices. Some light lines are seen, as likely in the lacquer as in the metal. The original custom silk-lined red leather case with clasp accompanies the medal.

The mintage of this famous medal is just 30 pieces in gold, struck by Boulton and Watt's Soho Mint on commission from the Honourable East India Company. BBM relates that gold specimens "were given to His Majesty, the Governor General, the Commander in Chief, General Officers employed on the expeditions, and a number of British and Indian dignitaries." Struck in 1801 and 1802, the first medals were not sent to India until 1805 and the original gold medals were not distributed until 1808. Sanction was not offered to the HEIC to wear the medals while in uniform until 1815.

Kuchler's masterful design, showing the British Lion subduing the tiger symbol of the Tipu Sultan, is a classic in the British medal series. The Tipu Sultan or "Tiger of Mysore" was killed on May 4, 1799, during the British siege, quite literally opposing British colonization until his last breath.

Estimate: $5,000 - $10,000.

Provenance: From the Gem Collection.

Earlier from the Dr. Arthur B. King Collection; Stack's / Morton and Eden's sale of the King Collection, October 2003, lot 27.

To view all items from the Gem Collection, click here.