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Royal Exchange Opened, 1844.
Royal Exchange Opened 1844, silver Medal by W Wyon, bust of Thomas Gresham left, EMPORIVM REGIVM A. THOMA GRESHAM EQ. AVR. CIVE LONDINENSI CONDITVM A. S. MDLXXI, rev. statue of Queen Victoria within the exchange building, REST. ET APERT. AVSP. VICTORIA REG, 70mm, (BHM 2185; Eimer 1390). Extremely fine with hint of russet toning.
The reverse of the medal must depict what is now the covered interior courtyard of the exchange building rather than an exterior façade, though the statue is no longer in situ.
The exchange was the idea of Richard Clough, agent of Elizabeth I and trader, based in Antwerp, and was inspired by the Antwerp Bourse. Clough acted as factor for Thomas Gresham, the merchant and financier, who funded the building at his own expense. It opened in 1571. After exchange buildings were twice built and twice burnt down, the present exchange is notable for having incorporated a rare and innovative building material for its time - concrete.