1890/94
Jewel & Medal Collection - Worcestershire Museum of Freemasonry
Silver Medal: Princess Sophia Albertina. 1783
Date:- 1876 - Classification:- Person; Birth
Country of Origin:- Sweden -
Description
Merzdorf knew of the existence of this medal, which is rare, from an impression in the Rostock collection, but he had not seen it, neither had Marvin, who was indebted for his facts to Hildebrand II., 312. This medal was suppressed on account of the equivocal meaning of the inscription on reverse, which was suggested by the royal librarian, John Simmings Kolo, notary, who fled the country the following year, and who, from this fact, seems to have intended an insult. He went to Germany, in 1786 was deprived of his rank, and in 1796 died in prison in Saxony. “Vasa” means a lewd woman. The inscription led to the promulgation of an edict that no medal should thereafter be struck at the Royal Mint unless proposed by, or with the approval of, the Royal Academy of Arts, History and Antiquities. The medal was struck by the Grand Land Lodge of Sweden in honour of the care taken by the Princess of poor orphan and houseless children, made so by a fire in Stockholm, December 24th, 1783. Medal No. 97 commemorates the birth of this Princess.
OBVERSE—Bust (nude) to right of the Princess Sophia Albertina. In her hair, which is loose, is a string of pearls. Below, on the edge of the bust, in small letters, “C. Fehrman.” Legend, “Sophia Alhertiua Princeps Sueciae (Princess of Sweden).” Around the border is a row of pearls.
REVERSE.—Within a closed wreath of oak the inscription “Vasornm Sorori” (To the Sister of the Vasas). Near the lower border- of the medal, “D. XXIV., Dec. MDCCLXXXIII.” Around the border a row of pearls, as on the obverse.dof his rank, and in 1796 died in prison in Saxony. “Vasa” means a lewd woman. The inscription led to the promulgation of an edict that no medal should thereafter be struck at the Royal Mint unless proposed by, or with the approval of, the Royal Academy of Arts, History and Antiquities. The medal was struck by the Grand Land Lodge of Sweden in honour of the care taken by the Princess of poor orphan and houseless children, made so by a fire in Stockholm, December 24th, 1783. Medal No. 97 commemorates the birth of this Princess.
Properties
35 mm. Silver
