Lot 745
Earl Howe and the Battle of the First of June 1794, WM Medal/|Penny 1794 by W. Mossop.

Ancient, British and World Coin Auction - Auction 121 | C25002
Auction: 9 July 2025 at 10:00 BST
£78
Description
Uniformed bust of Howe left, wearing bicorn, set on olive branches, ADMIRAL EARL HOWE, rev. THE MEMORABLE/ VICTORY GAINED OVER/ THE FRENCH FLEET/ JUNE 1 1794, olive branches below. (BHM 384; Eimer –; D&H 6). Good Extremely Fine with much original lustre.
Footnote
Between the end of the American Revolution and the War of the First Coalition, Admiral Howe participated in the relief of Gibraltar and served as First Lord of the Admiralty. At the start of the War of the First Coalition (1793-1797), he was given command of the Channel fleet. On 1 June 1794, he commanded the first and largest fleet action between Great Britain and the First French Republic. Attempting to prevent a French grain convoy from America from reaching its destination, Howe engaged the French Atlantic Fleet at Ushant, delivering a severe tactical defeat on the French – who were the strategic winners, since the grain convoy made it safely to port. Once it had returned to port following the battle, the British fleet was treated to a royal visit from George III and the royal household, while in London, the celebration included the illumination of the entire city for three consecutive nights.

