This bronze medal commemorates the death of Sir John Moore at Corunna in 1809, one of the most moving episodes of the Peninsular War. Struck in a compact 40 mm format, it has a strong historical presence and a clear, direct design that will appeal to collectors of military medals and early nineteenth-century British commemoratives.

The obverse features a bust of Lieutenant General Sir J. Moore facing left, with the inscription LIEUT. GENERAL SIR J. MOORE K.B. The portrait by George Mills gives the medal a calm and dignified tone, honouring Moore as a soldier of standing and reputation. The reverse is especially powerful, showing a Roman soldier protecting the fallen body of Sir John Moore from the attacks of the French eagle. This dramatic scene gives the medal a strong emotional impact and makes it one of the more memorable designs from James Mudie’s National Medals series.

The inscription DEATH OF. SIR JOHN MOORE / CORUNNA 16 JANUARY / 1809 clearly records the event, while the bronze finish and milled edge give the piece a traditional and carefully made appearance. For collectors, the combination of military history, named engravers and classical symbolism adds considerable interest. It is also a medal that tells a very human story, linking Britain’s struggle in the Peninsular War with the sacrifice of one of its best-known generals.

This is a fine and thoughtful commemorative medal, with real appeal to those who collect Napoleonic material, military medals or the work of James Mudie. Its design is bold, its subject is important, and its historical message remains immediate and easy to understand.