King Charles I of England (1600-1649) and Queen Henrietta Maria (1609-1669); Medal Commemorating the Fishery Treaty between England
and the Dutch Republic
Most coins have a side with a portrait, usually of a ruler. In addition, portrait medals have also always been made, primarily to honour, commemorate, or glorify an important event or person. They were often intended for a general public. Some were destined to be family heirlooms. In any case, the medallists tried to make the likenesses as realistic as possible. That is why they are considered a separate genre.