Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
M-B685 |
Object Name |
Medal |
Title |
Matthew Boulton Medal |
Artist |
Pidgeon, G.F. |
Date |
1819-21 |
Description |
Obverse: profile portrait of Matthew Boulton; "MATTHAEVS BOVLTON" at top and "Pidgeon F" under profile. Reverse: olive wreath; "INVENTAS AVT QVI VITAM EXCOLVERE PER ARTIS" Edge: "PATRIS AMICIS M.R.B. CIC[backwards]IC[backwards]CCCXVIIII" |
Label |
This medal was struck in 1819 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of Matthew Boulton, British manufacturer, entrepreneur, and founder of the Soho Mint. Begun by Conrad Heinrich Kuchler of the Soho Mint, the medal was completed by G. F. Pidgeon after Kuchler's death, and the design was overseen by Boulton's son, Matthew Robinson Boulton. The Mint made several different commemorative Boulton medals; a blank-edged version to sell to the public and this one, with a lettered edge that translated to "For my father's friends, Matthew Robinson Boulton, 1819." The reverse of the medal reads “those who have enriched life by discovering arts" - a quote from book six of Virgil's Aeneid. Boulton was an entrepreneur with diverse interests and is well known for collaborating with James Watt in the development of a steam engine. Boulton also had a successful metal business in Birmingham. His Soho Mint supplied copper coinage to the government and also supplied mints for overseas customers. The Soho Mint was known for its accuracy and fine quality. |
Material |
Bronze |
Dimensions |
D-0.375 Dia-2.5 inches |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society. Gift of Robert Boulton, 15 June 1821. |
Search Terms |
19th century nineteenth century profile currency commemorative England |