This 1704 John Locke bronze medal from Jean Dassier’s celebrated British Worthies series is a fine tribute to one of the most important thinkers in English history. Struck in bronze and measuring 43 mm, it has the presence and quality collectors look for in an early medal of this kind.

The obverse shows a strong bust of Locke with the inscription IOHANNES LOCKE. The reverse is rich in meaning, with Liberty and Justice seated together above a sarcophagus, while a small child reads below among scattered toys. This carefully chosen design reflects Locke’s ideas on toleration, civil government and the growth of human understanding.

Signed J.D., the medal is part of Dassier’s famous series of portraits of great British figures. Collectors value these medals for their refined engraving, historical subjects and the way they bring together art and ideas in one object. The connection to Locke is especially appealing, as his writings on knowledge, freedom and government had a lasting influence in Britain and beyond.

For collectors, this medal is notable not only for its elegant classical style, but also for its intellectual subject matter and strong historical importance. It is a thoughtful and rewarding piece for anyone interested in portrait medals, Enlightenment thought or the work of Jean Dassier.