Although his work displays considerable skill it is inferior in finish and execution to that of the Roettiers, well-known medallists of the same period.
It has a bust of the earl on the obverse; on the reverse is the legend "Lætamur, 24 Nov. 1681", and a view of London with the sun bursting from behind a cloud.
In January 1664, Bower was appointed "embosser in ordinary" (engraver) to the Mint, an office which he continued to hold until his death in the early part of 1689 (or 1690).
The production of Shaftesbury specimen gave rise to John Dryden's satire, "The Medal": Five days he sate for every cast and look, Four more than God to finish Adam took; But who can tell what essence angels are, Or how long Heaven was making Lucifer?
Medals he made under James II include a piece commemorating the defeat of Monmouth (signed "G. Bowers"), and specimens referring to the trial of the seven bishops.