Description:

John Wesley
n.p., ca. 1789-1866
5 Medals Commemorating John Wesley, 1789-1866
Medal/Coin
A small but fine collection of medals commemorating the life, work, death, and legacy of John Wesley (1703-1791), the founder of the Methodist movement. Ca. 1789-1866. [England and the United States.] One of the medals also makes a nod to John's younger brother Charles Wesley (1707-1788), who was a Methodist preacher and prolific hymn writer. Expected wear and weathering including isolated tarnish, scuffs, and roughness. Else very good.

The lot consists of, in chronological order:

1. A bronze medal celebrating John Wesley's ministry by W. Mainwaring, ca. 1789. A small hole at top suggests the medal may have been worn or hung. With a rich, dark patina. Sight size 1.375" diameter, currently housed in a cardboard holder, 2" square. The medal depicts a bas relief profile portrait of John Wesley on the obverse, with the legend: "The Rev. Iohn Wesley. A.M." The legend on the reverse is entitled "By Grace Are Ye Saved Through Faith" and shows Wesley preaching to followers under a tree.

2. A white metal medal commemorating the death of John Wesley by W. Mainwaring, ca. 1791. Sight size 1.375" diameter, currently slabbed, 2" square. Isolated areas of corrosion on the obverse mostly touching the hair. The medal depicts a bas relief profile portrait of John Wesley on the obverse, with the legend: "The Rev. Iohn Wesley. A.M." The legend on the reverse is entitled "Follow Thou Me" and shows a mourner weeping at Wesley's tomb, which is engraved with eight lines of tribute.

3. A white metal medal commemorating the centennial of Wesleyan Methodism, ca. 1839. 2.5" diameter. The medal depicts a bas relief bust portrait of John Wesley on the obverse, with the legend: "Charles Wesley, M.A. Born at Epworth, Dec.r 18, 1708. Died in London, Mar.h 29, 1788." The legend on the reverse reads: "Centenary of Wesleyan Methodism, 1839. 'God buries his workmen, but carries on his work.'" At center is reproduced the fifth verse from Charles Wesley's Hymn 129, ca. 1742: "O For a Trumpet Voice, / On All the World to Call! / To Bid Their Hearts Rejoice / In Him Who Died For All! / For All, My Lord Was Crucified: / For All My Saviour Died!"

4. A white metal medal commemorating John Wesley, ca. 1839. A small hole at top suggests the medal may have been worn or hung. Sight size 1.5" diameter, currently slabbed, 2" square. The medal depicts a bas relief portrait of John Wesley preaching from a lectern on the obverse, with the legend: "Revd. John Wesley, M.A. Born 1703 Died 1791 What Hath God Wrought." The legend on the reverse reads: "To Commemorate the Formation of the Wesleyan Methodist Society at its First Centenary, Oct. 1839."

5. A white metal medal commemorating the Wesley Chapel on John Street in New York City, ca. 1866. 2" diameter. The medal depicts a bas relief profile portrait of John Wesley on the obverse, with the legend: "'The World is my Parish' / 1866 / Founder of Methodism." The legend on the reverse reads: "Wesley Chapel & Parsonage. John St. N.Y. / October 30, 1768 / Dedicated By Philip Embury."

John Wesley was instrumental in founding Methodism, a religious revival which took place during the First Great Awakening (1730s-1740s). Wesley had helped codify, legitimize, and proselytize Methodism after experiencing evangelical conversion in 1738. John Wesley-themed medals, souvenir pottery like tableware, plaques, and statuettes, as well as door knockers, clocks, and, walking sticks, would have been treasured by his followers, who viewed them as akin to relics.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: largest medal measures 2.5" dia.
  • Medium: Medal/Coin

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October 30, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
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