Lot 744
Admiral Keppel Acquitted by Court Martial 1779. Æ Medal (1779) by T. Lyng.

Ancient, British and World Coin Auction - Auction 121 | C25002
Auction: 9 July 2025 at 10:00 BST
£120
Description
Uniformed bust right AUGUSTUS KEPPEL, rev. Courtroom scene with judge seated right on dais; before him, figure of Truth standing left and trampling many-headed serpent of sedition, jury in background; in exergue, VIRTUS PRÆVALET. 19.63gm. (BHM 220; Eimer –). Good Extremely Fine, darkly toned and very rare, ’RR’.
Footnote
Admiral Keppel commanded the British fleet at the First Battle of Ushant against the French in July of 1778. Although technically beating the French, their forces suffered much greater casualties and were forced to disengage. Following the unsatisfactory conclusion of this battle, charges of misconduct were brought against Keppel and his second in command, Sir Hugh Palliser, largely due to party politics which eventually led to a court martial for both men. Both Keppel and Palliser were cleared of any misconduct and public opinion was very much in sympathy with this verdict. Keppel immediately resigned and later went into politics rather than returning to a naval command.

