^Lot 1433 PHILIPPINES (under Spain), Manila, large gilt-bronze medal, Charles III, no date (ca. 1782), Manila

PHILIPPINES (under Spain), Manila, large gilt-bronze medal, Charles III, no date (ca. 1782), Manila Society, Premio del Valor, by J. Gabriel Gil, ex-Medina. Basso (2nd ed)-703a; Vives-59. 41.94 grams. 49.5 mm. Obverse with bust of Charles III right, hair tied behind, CARLOS III INSTITUIDOR BENEFICO around and J. GABRIEL GIL below, eight-point star stops; reverse with traditional Philippine arms consisting of a kris, kampilan, and kalasag tied together within a laurel wreath, PREMIO DEL VALOR around and MANILA / GIL below, eight-point star stops; smooth edge. Broad, imposing medal with a strong portrait and sharply defined reverse devices, AU+ with bright and largely intact gilding with only minor surface marks and light handling in the open fields. A very rare and historically important award medal associated with the late colonial reforms in the Philippines under Charles III. The type was created in connection with royal orders beginning in 1780 for rewards to those distinguishing themselves in the islands, including military service; the medallic series was executed by José Gabriel Gil. Important pedigree. Pedigreed to the José T. Medina Collection.