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Auction: 11009 - Ancient, English & Foreign Coins& Com Medals
Lot: 793

Commonwealth, trial and acquittal of John Lilburne, 1649, oval struck silver medal, by ?Thomas Simon, bust of John Lilburne left, with plain falling lace collar and drapery around bust, john lilborne, star after john, rev. october.26.1649., arms of Lilburne, without suspension loop (MI, I, 386, 4, plate XXXIV, 22; Eimer 178), lightly toned, good very fine, rare Estimate £ 300-400 John Lilburne was a radical whose 1649 trial was a key event in the so called Leveller movement of that year. This arose from the growth of radical political ideals within the Parliamentary army following the execution of Charles I on January 30 1649. Lilburne, was one of the leaders of this movement which challenged the power of the army and the new Commonwealth leading to his being charged with high treason for libelling Cromwell and Ireton. His acquittal was a popular event and this medal was struck to celebrate it. Lilburne died in 1657 and his funeral was attended by four thousand people.

Sold for
£3,800