First World War Death Plaque

Mind Your V's and U's
We find many people are confused about the substitution of the letter V for the letter U in coin and medal inscriptions, the 'V' being a latinised 'U'.
This comes about because the letter U was originally written 'V'. This holds true for Latin and also in many languages derived from Latin, such as English. We do not know when this was changed, but can presume it was over a long period of time around the middle ages.
You will have found this page becasue you searched for "He Died For Freedom and Honovr", whereas the correct way to read this inscription is actually "He Died For Freedom and Honour"
You might wonder why the substitution still occurs in modern times. There is no absolute answer, but we believe it is becasue the inscriptions (properly called legends) on many coins were, and often still are, in Latin. Even when the legends are written in English or other modern language, there is a tradition for coin designers and engravers to still use the older form of lettering. It is not an error as many people think, and it would show a lack of intelligence to pronounce the word as honovr rather than honour, as it should be quite obvious what is meant.
On most of the pages of our website, depending on context, we swap the V into a U, because we think it makes more sense to do so.

Obverse
Standing figure of Britannia, holding a trident and wreath, surrounded by dolphins, a lion in front, with the inscription around the edge :-
HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOUR

There is also an oblong panel below the wreath, where the name of the individual is recorded, being cast into each medallion, rather than engraved afterwards. Our example shows the name of WILKINSON HOLMES.

Specifications
Diameter 120 mms.
Weight XXX grams.

The Chard Medallion Collection
This page is published as part of a small collection of interesting medallions acquired in the course of our coin business.
Many medallions are of local historical interest, others of wider interest. Many are beautiful examples of medallic art.
Most are not primarily for sale. We hope they will add to your interest and enjoyment of our site.