1739 Brass Medal Betts-217, Vernon Medal

Coin Details

Auction Record

$165 Genuine 01-27-2015 Goldberg Auctioneers

Description

This brass medal, Betts-217, is another variety in the vast Admiral Vernon series. The Vernon medals collectively illustrate the range of artistic talent and commercial enterprise involved in eighteenth-century popular medal production. Some varieties display relatively skilled engraving and coherent design, while others are crude productions intended for the cheapest end of the market. This diversity makes the Vernon series a fascinating study in material culture, documenting how a colonial military victory was packaged and sold to the British public through mass-produced commemorative objects. The quality of die engraving on the finest Betts medals rivals the best European artistic production of their respective periods, with master medalists achieving remarkable detail in portraits, landscapes, and battle scenes. The series also includes medals depicting Vernon with other commanders, adding biographical and military history dimensions.

Rarity Notes

Common. One of many bath metal Vernon varieties.

Cross References

Betts-217