1702 White Metal Medal Betts-93, American Treasure

Coin Details

Description

This 1702 white metal medal (Betts-93) commemorates the capture of the Spanish treasure fleet, known as the "American Treasure" medal. In 1702, during the War of the Spanish Succession, an Anglo-Dutch fleet attacked the Spanish treasure galleons in Vigo Bay, Spain, capturing or destroying the fleet and its enormously valuable cargo of American silver and gold. The Battle of Vigo Bay was one of the most spectacular naval actions of the early eighteenth century, and the captured treasure represented the accumulated wealth of Spain's American colonies. Colonial-era medals were produced at royal mints, private workshops, and jewelers' studios across Europe, with production quality ranging from masterfully engraved official issues to crudely cast provincial pieces. White metal — a tin-based alloy — was commonly used for medals intended for broad popular distribution, as it was inexpensive to produce and could capture fine detail from the dies.

Rarity Notes

Original 1702 white metal. Battle of Vigo Bay / American Treasure subject. Scarce.

Cross References

Betts-93; American Treasure; Battle of Vigo Bay 1702; War of Spanish Succession