(1697) Bronze Medal Betts-84A, Cartagena Taken

Coin Details

Description

Betts-84A is a variant of the Cartagena Taken medal series, commemorating the French sack of Cartagena de Indias in 1697. The "A" suffix indicates a die variety or variant within the Betts-84 family, important for specialists who collect all known die combinations. This bronze (AE) version presents the variant design that distinguishes it from the standard Betts-84. Baron de Pointis's expedition against Cartagena was one of the most profitable raids in colonial history, yielding millions of livres worth of treasure, church plate, and valuables stripped from the wealthy Spanish colonial port. The medal celebrates what France regarded as a brilliant military success, though the expedition's aftermath was controversial due to disputes between Pointis's regular naval forces and the buccaneers who had joined the expedition expecting a larger share of the plunder. The Cartagena medals are significant in documenting French military capabilities in the Caribbean during the final phase of King William's War.

Rarity Notes

Bronze variant Betts-84A. Die variety within the Cartagena series. Scarce, particularly this specific variant.

Cross References

Betts-84A; PCGS #960889