Sweden Silver Medal 1700 - Victory at Narva, 20 November 1700 - Karl XII (1697–1718)
27.51g. 41mm. AU/XF+.
Medalier: Philipp Heinrich Müller (P·H·M· under the bust on obverse; PHM in exergue on reverse).
Variant with edge inscription: A DOMINO FACTVM EST ISTVD, ET EST MIRABILE IN OCVLIS NOSTRIS (This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes).
Delzanno (SKM) 66b (Ag). Hildebrand 45. Very rare.
Obv.: Laureate and cuirassed bust of Charles XII of Sweden right, wearing periwig, with richly draped armor and a pronounced shoulder belt. Inscription around:CAROLVS D·G· REX SVECIAE · / P·H·M·(Charles XII, by the Grace of God, King of Sweden / P·H·M·).
Rev.: Allegory of Victory seated upon captured weapons and fallen Russian standards; in the background the fortresses of Narva and Ivangorod. Inscription around and in exergue: TANDEM BONA CAVSA TRIVMPHAT / PHM / OB RVSSOS FVGATOS / ET NARVAM LIBE· / RAT· 1700· (At last the just cause triumphs / PHM / For the Russians routed / and Narva liberated / 1700).
The Battle of Narva, fought on 20 November 1700 at the beginning of the Great Northern War, was one of the most dramatic early victories of the Swedish Empire. Despite being vastly outnumbered - approximately 10,000 Swedes against more than 30,000 Russian troops - Karl XII led a surprise assault during a blizzard, breaking the Russian lines and driving the besieging army from their positions. The battle secured Swedish control over Narva, a strategic fortress city located on the territory of modern-day Estonia, and halted Russia’s initial campaign in the Baltic. The medal, designed and engraved by Philipp Heinrich Müller in Augsburg, reflects both the political significance of the victory and the propagandistic celebration of Swedish military prowess at the dawn of Karl XII’s reign. Issue of interest to collectors of medals of Estonia, Sweden and Russia.
