(1702) Bronze Medal Betts-95, Vigo Bay

Coin Details

Auction Record

$282 AU58 02-16-2017 Heritage Auctions

Description

This medal, Betts-93, is a white metal piece commemorating the American Treasure around 1702, during the opening phase of the War of the Spanish Succession. White metal, an alloy typically containing tin, lead, and sometimes antimony, was used for medals intended for wide distribution at low cost. The American Treasure reference relates to the Spanish treasure fleets that continued to transport vast quantities of silver and gold from the Americas to Spain throughout the colonial era. The tradition of striking commemorative medals for New World events began with Spanish and Portuguese pieces in the sixteenth century, expanded through Dutch and French production in the seventeenth, and reached its peak with British issues during the colonial wars. These treasure shipments were crucial to financing European wars, and their interception or capture was a primary objective of belligerent naval powers during wartime.

Rarity Notes

Rare. White metal medals related to American treasure are scarce.

Cross References

Betts-93