Sir Joseph Banks: In genius and substantial learning high
Maker
William Wyon
(British, 1795 - 1851)
Maker
Thomas Wyon
(British, 1792 - 1817)
Date1816
Object number00004504
NameMedallion
MediumBronze
DimensionsOverall: 4 x 40 x 40 mm
ClassificationsCoins and medals
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA copper medal by William Wyon for the Horticultural Society of London. The reverse features garlands around open book and reads 'In genius and substantial learning high'.
Produced for the Horticultural Society of London of which Banks was president from 1777 until his death in 1820. A banksian medal is still awarded annually by the society in his honour.
HistoryWilliam Wyon worked as Chief Engraver at the Royal Mint from 1828 until his death in 1851, and was part of a dynasty that included his father, his uncle Thomas, cousin Thomas Junior and son Leonard who all achieved prominence at The Royal Mint.
Sir Joseph Banks, “Dictator of British Botany", served as President of the Royal Society of London for 42 years where and sailed with Captain Cook on the ENDEAVOUR at the age of 25, Banks collected extensive specimens in New Zealand and Australia and was named Director of Kew Gardens in 1772 by George III. Along with John Wedgewood, Banks founded The Horticultural Society of London whose aim was to collect plant information and encourage the improvement of horticultural practice.
Throughout his life, Banks continued to encourage expeditions to collect foreign plants for the garden and the herbarium.
SignificanceWilliam Wyon is recognised as one of the 'finest artists to have ever worked on British coinage' and noted for producing one the world’s most beautiful coins, Una and the Lion.
