Watch List notes:

European Medals from 1513 to 1788

Netherlands, The Dutch Republic. Amsterdam. Medal (Silver, 24mm, 8.35 g 12), on Nicholas Witsen, several times burgomaster of Amsterdam and ambassador to England, 1695. «N.WITSEN CONS.AMST.AD REGEM ANGLIÆ LEGATVS.MDCXCV. (=Nicholas Witsen, Brugomaster of Amsterdam, Ambassador to the King of England, 1695) Bare head of Witsen to right. Rev. LABOR OMNIA VINCIT (=Labor conquers all) Battering ram breaking down a wall. MI II, pp. 147-148, 408. TMNK 01298. Cf. Van Loon III, pp. 438-439, ii (1688). Very rare. Nicely toned. A very few minor marks, otherwise, good extremely fine.

Witsen was a politician, an engineer and a diplomat: the reverse refers both to his engineering ability and to the way that his diplomatic skills broke down barriers.