1739 Bronze Medal Admiral Vernon, A-C PBv 3-C

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,200 AU58 08-24-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1739 bronze medal, cataloged as Adams-Chao PBv 3-C, is an early die pairing in the Porto Bello Vernon's Portrait subgroup. Obverse die 3 and reverse die C represent the initial production phase when die sinkers were establishing the portrait-only format as a complement to the icon-enhanced PBvi varieties. The PBv 3 portrait is an early interpretation of Vernon's likeness, based closely on published engravings or paintings that circulated after the Porto Bello news reached England. Reverse die C carries Porto Bello imagery — the harbor, the six ships, or the fortifications — in one of the earliest reverse compositions created for the PBv series. Struck in copper alloy (AE), early-numbered PBv varieties like the 3-C are often among the most refined in execution, as die sinkers invested their best craftsmanship in the initial dies that would establish the series' reputation. The PBv 3-C variety represents the foundation upon which the extensive PBv production was built.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Early PBv die pairings tend to be somewhat more available than late-series varieties.

Cross References

A-C PBv 3-C; PCGS #922850