Medal Dedicated to Sir Robert Walpole

The War of Jenkins' Ear pitted Great Britain against the Spanish Empire between 1739 and 1748 over territories in the Caribbean. The signing of the Treaty of Utrecht, which had signaled peace between the 2 parties, gave England ownership of Gibraltar and Menorca (territories that had been claimed by Spain throughout the 18th century). It also established the so-called "permission ship," which allowed trade with Spanish territories in America. This ended the Spanish monopoly, causing friction between the 2 powers and leading to the War of Jenkins' Ear.

It was in this context that this medal, depicting Sir Robert Walpole on the back, was made. Sir Robert Walpole was the English Prime Minister when the War of Jenkins' Ear was declared. Walpole was not in favor of breaking off relations with the Spanish Crown. However, Admiral Vernon, who had the support of the British people and Parliament, forced him to declare war. It is for this reason that the coin depicts the Prime Minister chained by the devil and being led to hell, reflecting his lack of popularity as a result of his opposition to Vernon on this matter. On the surface of the coin is a decorative edging around the inscription "MAKE ROOM FOR SIR ROBERT," and the mint mark. The exergue reads: "NO EXCISE."

On the obverse are 2 full-length figures: Admiral Vernon and Commodore Brown, shown shaking hands and standing as though in conversation, above a ship of the line. Above them is the English crown. Surrounding the central image is an inscription in English: "THE BRITISH GLORY REVIVED BY ADML VERNON COMR BROWN." The decorative edging is smooth and uneven.