1816 Nepal medal. Silver, 50.6 mm, 65.8 mm with riveted silver loop edge mount. MY-89, BBM-54. Choice About Uncirculated.

1816 Nepal medal. Silver, 50.6 mm, 65.8 mm with riveted silver loop edge mount. MY-89, BBM-54. Choice About Uncirculated.

845.6 grains. From a mintage of about 300 pieces. An original striking of this rare and important medal, authorized at the end of the Anglo-Gorkha War in March 1816 at Fort William and struck at the Calcutta Mint. This medal was presented to Indian officers, and to rank and file soldiers whose gallantry recommended them for distinction. British troops were later granted the "Nepaul" clasp to the Army of India medal in 1851. This example is superb, with lustrous surfaces and rich golden toning clinging to design elements. Only inconsequential evidence of handling is noted.

The Treaty of Sagauli, signed between representatives of the HEIC and the Kingdom of Gorkha just two weeks before this medal was authorized, defines the borders of modern Nepal to this day.

Estimate: $1,500 - $3,000.

Provenance: From the Gem Collection.

Earlier from Baldwin's Auction 60, May 2009, lot 1202 (at 4800 pounds).

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