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Bronze Medal: Martin Folkes 1742

Date:- 1742 - Classification:- Person; Death

Country of Origin:- Italy -

Description

This is the celebrated Martin Folkes medal, and is very rar’e, According to various authorities, principally Schletter and Zillés Handbuch der Freimaurerei, it was struck at Rome in the Papal mint, and the dies cut by Hamerani, Martin Folkes was a distiuguished English antiquary and numismatist, as well as a prominent Mason, having been Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England, under the Duke of Richmond, in 1724-5, and supposed by some to have taken an active part in the revival of Masonry in 1717.His portrait will he found in this collection, No, 17 in portfolio. The obverse of the medal is very fine, but the reverse is inferior, and the die shows signs of weakness. It has been said that only three were struck, but this is an error, as Marvin mentions several, and since securing this impression, through the kindness of Bro. Hughan, I have been offered another from America, Obverse—Naked bust to right of Folkes, Legend, “Martinus” on left, and “Folkes” to right.

Reverse—In the foreground, a sphinx to the right, seated on a pedestal; in the distance are walls partly in ruins, with a pyramid on the left ; at each of the front corners stands a pillar; above, on the right, the radiant sun. Legend, “Sva Sidera Norunt” (They know their own constallations). In exergue, in two lines, “Romoe AL. 5742.” Mr. Forbes, the Roman archaeologist, says the pyramid is out side the wallsof the Latins. built by Ancus Martius on the Aventine hill, but it is embraced within the line of the Aurelian wall, shown on medal to right and left of pyramid. It is 115 feet high, and built of white marble. The two Ionic columns still stand on either side of the entrance, as shown on the medal.

Engraved in M., Plate 16, Fig. 55.

Properties

37 mm. Bronze