1748 Gold Aachen Medal, Peace Centennial M.Holtzhey NGC MS63

Struck to commemorate the centennial of the Peace of Westphalia (1648), this 1748 gold medal honors the treaties that ended the Thirty Years’ War and reshaped the political and religious boundaries of Europe. Minted by renowned Dutch medallist Martin Holtzhey, it reflects Enlightenment values of peace and diplomacy. Issued in the Netherlands—a key beneficiary of Westphalian sovereignty—the medal celebrates a century of relative stability in the region. Its production in gold underscores the importance of the occasion and the prestige of those who received it.

Obverse: Features an armored bust of George II, King of Great Britain and Elector of Hanover, facing right. The surrounding Latin legend names his titles and underscores his role as a reigning European monarch during a time of relative continental peace.

Reverse: Depicts the allegorical figure of Justitia (Justice) seated on clouds, holding a sword and scales. The Latin inscription praises a century of law, peace, and prosperity following the treaties signed in Münster and Osnabrück.

Graded NGC MS63, this example is a superb survivor with clean fields, sharp relief, and rich luster—rare for a medal of this age and format. Gold issues of this type were produced in limited numbers for presentation, making them significantly scarcer than their silver counterparts. A striking piece of European numismatic art, connecting politics, history, and craftsmanship in one rare object.

Germany Gold Medal, Peace Centennial, 22mm, Aachen, M. Holtzhey