John Croker (engraver) facts for kids

This medal by Croker, made in 1717, celebrates the Indemnity Act 1717, which freed many people.

John Croker (born October 21, 1670 – died March 21, 1741) was a very skilled jeweller. He was born in a place called Saxony, which is now part of Germany. When he was young, people knew him as Johann Crocker. He moved to London, England, and became a famous medallist. A medallist is someone who designs and makes special coins and medals.

For most of his life, Croker worked in England. He made the special tools (called dies) for English and later British coins and medals. He worked at the Royal Mint, which is where coins are made. He even worked closely with the famous scientist, Isaac Newton, who was in charge of the Mint! John Croker was the Chief Engraver at the Royal Mint from 1705 until he passed away.

John Croker's Early Life and Career

John Croker was born in Dresden in 1670. His father was a cabinet-maker for a local ruler. Sadly, his father died when John was very young. After that, he became an apprentice to his godfather, who was a goldsmith and jeweller in Dresden. An apprentice learns a trade from a skilled master.

After finishing his training, John Croker moved to the Netherlands. Then, in 1691, he moved to England. In England, he worked for a jeweller and started making medals. He changed his name to "John Croker" to sound more English.

Becoming Chief Engraver

In 1697, John Croker became an assistant to Henry Harris, who was the chief engraver at the Royal Mint. When Harris died in 1704, Croker asked Lord Godolphin, a very important government official, if he could take over the job.

Croker explained that he had already been making the tools for coins at the Tower of London Mint and five other mints for seven years. The people at the Mint agreed that he was the best choice. So, on April 7, 1705, he became the Chief Engraver. That same year, he got married, but his only daughter died when she was a child.

Making Medals and Coins

Soon after becoming Chief Engraver, Croker was allowed to make medals on his own. This helped him keep his engraving skills sharp. One of his famous medals celebrates the Act of Grace of 1717. This act set hundreds of people free who had been involved in a rebellion.

This medal shows King George I on one side. On the other side, it shows a winged figure representing "Clemency" (which means mercy). She holds an olive branch and a caduceus, touching a fleeing snake. The snake stands for the rebellion.

John Croker made almost all the coin dies for Queen Anne and King George I. He also made many for George II until 1740. He created many beautiful medals too. In 1729, the head of the Mint worried that Croker was the only person who could make the special tools for the king's head on coins. So, they hired a young assistant named John Sigismund Tanner to learn from him.

Croker's wife passed away in 1735. He stayed healthy and had good eyesight until his last two years. Even when he was getting older, he still did some engraving. He also enjoyed reading in his free time. John Croker died on March 21, 1741, and his assistant, Tanner, took over his important job.

Famous Medals by John Croker

Croker's medal from 1732, showing the children of King George II.

John Croker created many important medals. These medals often celebrated big events in British history, like peace treaties, battles, or royal coronations. Here are some of his main medals: