 East India College Reward of Merit Medal, 1806. Gold, 37.5mm, 40.89 grams. By Nathaniel Marchant, Probationer of the Royal Mint, Engraver of His Majesty's Seals. Forrer III:561, Puddester 948.1.5 var. (Gold RRR). About Uncirculated. Obv. Classical Minerva head r. in elephant-decorated helmet, flanked by cornucopia, caduceus and antique rudder. Rev. EAST INDIA COLLEGE HERTS. around a laurel wreath enclosing THE/ REWARD/ OF/ MERIT. Edge engraved Hans Sotheby 1806. Boldly lustrous, some superficial hairlines. (Est. $1,000-$1,250)
The first medals of this general type was designed by Thomas Wyon, supposedly in 1808, though this piece signed N. MARCHANT is dated 1806. Puddester's 948.1.5 is unsigned, though N. MARCHANT is placed below the rudder on the present example. Marchant was widely acclaimed as an engraver of ancient subjects on gems, but also designed the smaller denomination Bank of England Silver Tokens and the George III head on the 1813 Military Guinea. The East India College was set up in Hertford Castle, Haileybury by the Court of Directors of the East India Co. after the Marquess of Wellesley had first established it at Fort William outside Calcutta without informing them.
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