(1687) Gold Medal Betts-67, Eimer-285a Silver Shoals Treasure Recovery

Coin Details

Description

This gold and silver medal, Betts-67 by Eimer-285a, is a variant of the St. Domingo medal featuring gold-highlighted construction. The Eimer reference number indicates its cataloging in Christopher Eimer's comprehensive work on British historical medals. The dual-metal construction combining gold and silver elements marks this as an exceptional piece, produced for a high-ranking recipient. The Silver Shoals treasure recovery connection referenced in the title relates to the famous salvage of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion, which sank on the Silver Shoals north of Hispaniola in 1641 and was partially salvaged by William Phips in 1687, an event that made Phips fabulously wealthy and led to his appointment as Governor of Massachusetts. The Betts series documents the full arc of European colonialism in the Western Hemisphere, from the earliest Spanish exploration medals through the diplomatic pieces marking American independence.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Dual-metal construction indicates a special presentation piece.

Cross References

Betts-67, Eimer-285a