Minerva (Jernegan's Lottery Medal) [obverse]

John Sigismund Tanner

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture on the medal features a classical figure, likely Britannia, standing gracefully. She is dressed in draped attire, including a tunic and a helmet with a plume. In her left hand, she holds a spear resting vertically on the ground, and in her right hand, she carries a sprig or branch. Surrounding her are elements like a shield with a face and a helmet, a flag, and classical motifs like laurel branches. The sculpture has a metallic bronze or copper tone typical of engraved metal medals. The inscriptions read "BOTH HANDS FILL'D FOR BRITAIN" and "GEORGE REIGNING." The detailed and embossed work creates depth and texture, with the figures and objects clearly standing out from the background.