Casgliadau Arlein

Obverse. King George II seated on a throne with scroll-shaped back, above it a small crown from which two sceptres proceed obliquely; beyond the indistinct pillars of the throne, to either side, an oval scalloped panel; above the throne, a circular shield ensigned by a royal crown and encircled by the Garter with its motto interrupts the pediment, the arms being those used on the seal of George I. The monarch is crowned, and holds an orb in his left hand, a sceptre in his right, his vesture is (on this impression) indistinct, his feet rest upon a cushion on a stepped footboard. To either side of the throne stands an allegorical figure; on the king’s left Britannia holds a spear and shield: ENGLAND impaling SCOTLAND; beyond her another female figure holding a lamb and palm branch represents Piety. On the monarch’s right stands Hercules with a club over his right shoulder and, in the field by his waist, a lion couchant with crown royal. In the space between the throne and Hercules, and indistinct upon this impression, is Minerva, for Wisdom, holding a sceptre and an oval shield (arms indistinct). On the right of Hercules stands a figure of Plenty with cornucopiae. Under the king’s seat is a figure of Envy, overthrown and chained (Birch), its left hand grasping a serpent (Wyon). The appearance of Envy overthrown may reflect the defeat of the Pretender in the Rebellion of 1715.