1702 Tin Medal Betts-101, Eimer-394 American Treasure

Coin Details

Description

This 1702 tin medal, Betts-101, is the Eimer-394 American Treasure medal struck in tin. Tin was occasionally used for medals intended for wide distribution at minimal cost, or for trial strikings before production in precious metals. The tin composition gives the medal a distinctive silvery-gray appearance and lighter weight compared to bronze or silver versions. This tin variant of the American Treasure medal demonstrates the range of compositions used in early eighteenth-century medal production and provides an accessible version of this historically important design documenting the connection between New World wealth and European warfare during the opening years of the War of the Spanish Succession. 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.

Rarity Notes

Very rare in tin. Unusual composition for this period.

Cross References

Betts-101, Eimer-394 (tin)