Rare medal struck in 1642, commemorates the arrival in the Dutch Republic of Princess Mary Henrietta Stuart, daughter of King Charles I of England. At the age of just ten, she was married to William II of Orange, heir to Stadtholder Frederick Henry of Orange.
The marriage was of immense political significance: it sealed the Anglo-Dutch alliance and strengthened the House of Orange’s standing in Europe. For the Stuarts, it was part of a broader dynastic policy aimed at forging ties with leading Protestant rulers on the continent.
Dadler’s medal celebrated not only the dynastic marriage but also served as a powerful piece of political propaganda. It depicted the House of Orange as the guardians of liberty and prosperity, uniting martial power (Mars) with harmony and union (Venus).
Choice uncirculated. Graded ex. MS64 by NGC.A numismatic piece of exceptional class with an amazingly preserved mirror surface. The whole coin is covered with beautiful patina. A true eye-catching item that will be appreciated by every collector of fine objects.
Obverse: Prince Frederick Henry of Orange seated on a throne in armor, with a shield and helmet at his side, trampling down enemies. He holds a sword and a ribbon bearing the shields of the seven provinces of the Dutch Republic. In the background, William II is shown with his young bride, Mary Stuart, alongside the scene of a triumphant military procession
LIBERTAS PATRIÆ, ME DEFENSORE, TRIUMPHAT, INSIDIATA NIHIL VIS INIMICA NOCET (The liberty of the fatherland, under my protection, triumphs; no treacherous enemy force can harm it)
Reverse: view of a palace and gardens enclosed by a woven fence supported by obelisks. Above the entrance strides the Belgian Lion, flanked by statues of Mars and Venus. At the gate, William of Orange welcomes his bride Mary Stuart. Overhead, amid rays emanating from the Hebrew name of God, two cherubs descend, bestowing wealth and honor. On the obelisks and at the base appears the signature S.D. for Sebastian Dadler
QUO TE MARS ET AMOR VOCAT INTRA DIVA VIRETUM FRUCTUM HIC LIBERTAS TE GENITRICE FERET (Where Mars and Love summon you, enter, divine one, into the garden; here Liberty, your mother, shall bear fruit for you)
Diameter 73 mm, weight 115.68 g
