1629 Silver Medal Betts-25, Matanzas Bay

Coin Details

Description

This 1629 silver medal, Betts-25, is another variety commemorating the Dutch capture of the Spanish Silver Fleet at Matanzas Bay. The battle took place in sheltered waters on the northern coast of Cuba, where Spanish treasure ships sought refuge from a storm. Heyn's squadron of 31 ships trapped the fleet and captured it with minimal casualties. The enormous treasure haul made the Dutch West India Company enormously profitable and funded a campaign that captured the Brazilian city of Olinda the following year. Multiple medal varieties were struck to celebrate this unprecedented victory, reflecting enormous public enthusiasm in the Dutch Republic. Colonial-era medals were produced at royal mints, private workshops, and jewelers' studios across Europe, with production quality ranging from masterfully engraved official issues to crudely cast provincial pieces. Each variety in the Betts-24 through Betts-29 sequence documents different aspects of this pivotal moment.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. One of several medal varieties celebrating the Silver Fleet capture.

Cross References

Betts-25