1677 Bronze Medal Betts-59, Tobago Victory

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,400 MS64BN 08-24-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1677 bronze medal, Betts-59, commemorates the Victory at Tobago, providing another numismatic record of Dutch military success in the Caribbean during 1677. The existence of multiple Betts numbers (52, 57, 59) relating to events at Tobago in 1677 demonstrates the importance the Dutch Republic placed on this Caribbean victory. Multiple medal varieties were produced to celebrate the triumph, distributed to different audiences including military personnel, government officials, and the general public. The medallic record of colonial America provides evidence that standard historical accounts sometimes overlook, documenting diplomatic encounters, treaty negotiations, and military engagements through the perspectives of the participating European powers. The Tobago campaign was one of the last major Dutch naval victories in the Caribbean before the Republic's colonial power began its long decline relative to Britain and France.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Another variety of the Tobago victory commemorative.

Cross References

Betts-59