Diameter: 7.8cm (3.2in)
Gilt brass. Of circular form. The top embossed with a relief profile portrait bust facing left after Peter Wyon (1767-1822) with within the embossed inscription ‘WILLIAM PITT’. Decorated to the top and sides with bead border, Greek key and linear patterns.
William Pitt the younger., (1759-1806) became Prime Minister in 1783 when only twenty-five years of age. He remained eighteen years in office. During his ministry he restricted the power of the East India Company with his India bill; ably conducted the administration of the government during the troublesome times of the French Revolution; restored order in Ireland after the rebellion of 1798; and, in 1800, passed the bill for the Union of Great Britain and Ireland. He was Prime Minister again from 1804 to 1806 when he died in office. The news of the defeat of the Austrians and Russians by Napoleon at Austerlitz is said to have killed him.