1739 Bath Metal Medal Betts-238, Admiral Vernon

Coin Details

Description

This 1739 bath metal medal (Betts-238) honors Admiral Edward Vernon, the British naval commander who captured the Spanish port of Porto Bello (modern Portobelo, Panama) on November 22, 1739 with just six ships. Vernon's victory at the outbreak of the War of Jenkins' Ear made him the most celebrated British hero of the era and inspired an unprecedented outpouring of commemorative medals — more than any other individual in the Betts catalog. Bath metal is a copper-zinc alloy similar to brass but with slightly different proportions, named for the city of Bath, England. The Admiral Vernon medals were produced primarily in England for popular distribution, and their enormous variety reflects the commercial enterprise of die sinkers who capitalized on public enthusiasm. Betts catalogs over 150 Vernon medal varieties.

Rarity Notes

Original 1739 bath metal. Admiral Vernon medals are the largest single group in the Betts catalog. Common to scarce depending on variety.

Cross References

Betts-238; Admiral Vernon; Porto Bello 1739; War of Jenkins' Ear; bath metal