This is the obverse of a bronze medal designed by the Flemish artist Quintin Metsys in 1491. It bears a portrait of Archbishop Scheves of St Andrews.
The medal has a moulded rim and is pierced for suspension. The obverse has the Latin inscription 'WILHELMUS+SCHEVEZ SCI+ADREE+ARCHITEPS', which translates as 'William Scheves, Archbishop of St Andrews'.
In the Renaissance period, medals provided the opportunity to celebrate the individual, unrestricted by currency regulation. They were a popular reworking of Roman-style medallions.
To search on related items, click any underlined text below.