*British, 1937, King George VI Coronation Medal – Watch Fob Type*
An original King George VI Coronation Medal dated 12 May 1937, struck to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth following the abdication of King Edward VIII in 1936.
The medal is circular and features the conjoined crowned effigies of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth facing left on the obverse. Beneath the bust truncation are the initials “PM”, the mark of the medal’s designer Percy Metcalfe, the Irish sculptor responsible for numerous British coin and medal designs of the period.
The reverse displays the crowned royal cypher “GRI” (Georgius Rex Imperator) surrounded by the inscription:
“GEORGE VI QUEEN ELIZABETH – CROWNED 12 MAY 1937.”
The medal retains its integral suspension loop with large ring, indicating it was intended to be worn as a watch fob or chain medal, a style commonly used by civilian recipients such as municipal officials, police, railway staff, and others involved in coronation celebrations.
Approx. Measurements – Diameter: 3.3 cm.
History Note:
The 1937 Coronation Medal was officially authorised to commemorate the coronation ceremony of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth at Westminster Abbey.
Approximately 90,000 medals were issued to selected members of the armed forces, police services, civil officials, colonial representatives, and others connected with the coronation celebrations throughout the British Empire.
The medal was designed by Percy Metcalfe, whose initials appear beneath the royal busts. Standard issues were worn from a ribbon of red with blue and white edge stripes, although many examples were also privately mounted with rings for watch-chain or fob wear, particularly among civilian recipients.
*Condition*
The medal remains in good original condition with clear detail to the royal portraits and reverse lettering. The surface shows age toning, light scratches, and handling marks consistent with age and use, particularly visible on the obverse field. The integral suspension loop and large ring remain intact, showing light wear. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMBOXCH_6342237678
