1739 Bronze Medal Admiral Vernon, A-C PBv 13-K

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,880 MS63 03-29-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1739 bronze medal, cataloged as Adams-Chao PBv 13-K, pairs obverse die 13 with reverse die K in the Vernon's Portrait subgroup. The thirteenth obverse die presents yet another interpretation of Vernon's likeness in the portrait-only format. The PBv series reverses typically feature Porto Bello harbor views, maps of the isthmus, fortification plans, or text describing the November 1739 victory. Reverse die K is in the middle of the alphabetical sequence, suggesting it was produced during the mature phase of PBv medal production. The portrait-only format was favored by die sinkers who excelled at portraiture but were less skilled at the complex icon compositions of the PBvi series. Struck in copper alloy (AE), this medal demonstrates the artistic range within the Vernon medal industry, where different workshops developed distinct visual approaches to the same commemorative subject. The PBv 13-K combination is a solid representative example of the portrait subgroup's middle production range.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. A mid-series PBv die pairing with moderate collector availability.

Cross References

A-C PBv 13-K; PCGS #882544