Waterloo Medal – Named to Gunner James Hardy, Royal Artillery

1816 Waterloo Medal, awarded to Gunner James Hardy of the Royal Artillery for his service in the Battle of Waterloo (June 18, 1815). The medal features a finely detailed design by Thomas Wyon Jr., the Chief Engraver at the Royal Mint, and is one of the earliest British campaign medals issued to all ranks who participated in a specific battle.

Obverse:
•Bust of George, Prince Regent (later King George IV), facing left, wearing a laurel wreath.
•Inscription: “GEORGE P REGENT” around the edge.
•Engraver’s signature: T. WYON JUN beneath the bust.

Reverse:
•Depicts Victory, seated on a plinth, holding a laurel wreath and an olive branch, symbolizing triumph and peace.
•Inscription: “WELLINGTON” at the top, in honor of the Duke of Wellington, the victorious commander at Waterloo.
•Below, a rectangular cartouche reads: “WATERLOO”, with the date “JUNE 18, 1815” beneath.

Edge Inscription:
•Officially impressed with “JAMES HARDY ROYAL ARTILL.”, identifying the recipient as a soldier in the Royal Artillery, a unit instrumental in the Allied victory at Waterloo.

Diameter: 37mm

Condition: Displays wear consistent with age, with crisp details remaining on both obverse and reverse. Tool marks on obverse and reverse, please see pictures. The edge inscription is clearly legible