🌅 Lot 276 – A Monument to Learning and Empire 🇮🇳

🏷️ Estimated at £4,200–£7,000

Offered in Auction 2, this spectacular gold medal was struck in 1800 for the College of Fort William, Calcutta — one of the most ambitious educational institutions ever established by the British East India Company in colonial India. Issued under Lord Wellesley, the medal was awarded to honour academic achievement and the mastery of Eastern languages.

🏛️ A Grand Vision in Calcutta
Founded in 1800, Fort William College was created to train British officers and administrators in local dialects and customs to better govern the territories under EIC control. With courses in Persian, Sanskrit, Bengali, Urdu, and other languages, it marked a rare moment when colonial ambitions aligned with cultural immersion — albeit short-lived, as the college struggled financially and politically before being largely transferred to the newly created Haileybury College in England by 1806.

🪙 A Medallion of Historical Prestige
This particular example is NGC graded MS 63, displaying rich old red lustre and fine preserved detail. The obverse depicts a mosque, pagoda, and sailing ship beneath a radiant sun, symbolising the EIC’s reach across religions and oceans. On the reverse, a laurel wreath surrounds the college’s name — a design both elegant and aspirational.

🌍 A British Colonial Masterpiece
This medal captures a rare intersection of gold artistry, imperial ideology, and educational legacy. Only a small number exist in this condition — making it one of the most desirable colonial medals on the market. Estimated at £4,200–£7,000, it is a standout piece for any collector of British India, medals, or world history.

📅 Auction 2 Now Online – Pre-Bidding Open!
Browse 400+ world, ancient, and British coins, tokens, and medals — all available for pre-bidding until 1 hour before the live auction at 12:00 GMT on June 12th. Place your bids early and secure the pieces you’ve had your eye on!