1739 Bronze Medal Admiral Vernon, A-C PB 2-C

Coin Details

Auction Record

$216 XF40 02-21-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1739 bronze medal, cataloged as Adams-Chao PB 2-C, belongs to the Porto Bello No Portrait subgroup where neither the obverse nor reverse features a bust of Vernon or any other individual. Instead, both sides employ maps, harbor views, ship formations, fortification plans, text, or allegorical imagery to commemorate the capture of Porto Bello. Die pairing 2-C combines the second obverse die with the C reverse die in this subgroup. The absence of portraits allowed die sinkers to devote the entire medal surface to depicting the engagement itself — the six British warships bombarding the Spanish fortifications, maps showing Porto Bello's strategic position on the isthmus of Panama, or text describing the victory. Struck in copper alloy (AE), the PB varieties provide a different perspective on the Porto Bello narrative than the portrait types, emphasizing the event over the personality. These medals were popular with audiences interested in the military details of the engagement rather than Vernon's personal celebrity.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. The PB no-portrait varieties are less numerous than the portrait types but actively collected.

Cross References

A-C PB 2-C; PCGS #930165