About This Artifact
A rare knighthood medallion for the Order of the Garter, dated 1671 and inscribed in French in honour of King Charles II, discovered in the soil near New Ross, Nova Scotia, less than 20 miles from Oak Island. Only three knights received this medallion that year: Charles XI of Sweden, John George II of Saxony, and Christopher Monck, 2nd Duke of Albemarle. Author and historian James McQuiston, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, argues the medallion belonged to Monck and was given to Sir William Phips as an honorary knighthood token after Phips recovered a fortune from the Spanish treasure ship Nuestra Señora de la Concepción in 1687, a salvage operation in which Monck was the principal investor. Phips later served as governor of Nova Scotia from 1691 to 1695, placing him directly in the area where the medallion was found. McQuiston believes the medallion's presence at New Ross supports the theory that Phips visited the site, possibly in connection with hidden treasure from the Concepción.
Historical Context
James McQuiston, Oak Island Knights (2018). McQuiston appeared on The Curse of Oak Island in Seasons 6, 7, and 9 presenting his Knights Baronet theory. See also oakislandgold.com.
Where It Was Found
Found at New Ross.
