Charles I Death 1649. This medal executed by Thomas Rawlins is to commemerate the fortitude and consistance of the King. The Salamander was frequently adopted as an emblem of fortitude and patience under suffering. It was common practice for the head of a traitor to be held up and exhibited to the crowd with the words Behold the head of a traitor!; although Charles' head was exhibited, the words were not used. In an unprecedented gesture, one of the revolutionary leaders, Oliver Cromwell