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975103. Sold For $375

temp. HANOVER. Martin Folkes, freemason, numismatist, and mathemtician. 1690-1754. Æ Medal (37mm, 24.49 g, 12h). Rome mint. By O. Hamerani?. Dated 5742 Anno Lucis (1738 or 1742 AD). MARTINVS FOLKES, bare head right / SVA SIDERA NORVNT (his own constellations have acknowledged him), view of the tomb of Gaius Cestus and the Aurelian wall of Rome; before, sphinx seated right; radiant sun above; in exergue, ROMÆ · A · L/ S742. Eimer 572; MI 571/206. EF, light marks. Impressive portrait.


Martin Folkes was elected to the Royal Society in recognition for his achievements in mathematics at the tender age of twenty-three, but today he is remember for his contributions to the study of antiquity and numismatics, having authored number of works on Roman and British coins. In addition to his work for the Society, of which he was eventually elected president, Folkes served as Deputy Grand Master of the Masonic lodge. This medal is believed by Hawkins to have been in Rome to demonstrate the great respect held for this man of letters.