1739 Bronze Medal Admiral Vernon, A-C PBvb 2-D Commodore Brown

Coin Details

Auction Record

$144 VF35 02-21-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1739 bronze medal, cataloged as Adams-Chao PBvb 2-D, features the second obverse die in the Vernon and Brown subgroup paired with reverse die D. The PBvb 2 obverse presents a different portrait arrangement of Vernon and Brown than die 1, showing them in different poses, uniforms, or relative positions. Die sinkers working from verbal descriptions, published engravings, or earlier medals often produced distinctly different portraits, giving each die combination a unique character. Reverse die D features Porto Bello's harbor, the Iron Castle fortification, or a naval scene with accompanying text. Struck in copper alloy (AE), this variety demonstrates the sustained commercial demand for Vernon and Brown medals throughout 1739. The multiple obverse dies in the PBvb series — at least fifteen are recorded — show that die sinkers found a profitable market for dual-portrait varieties alongside the single-portrait Vernon types.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Mid-numbered PBvb die pairings suggest moderate production volumes.

Cross References

A-C PBvb 2-D; PCGS #930233