1739 Bronze Medal Admiral Vernon, A-C PBvb 4-G Commodore Brown

Coin Details

Auction Record

$240 XF45 02-21-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1739 bronze medal, cataloged as Adams-Chao PBvb 4-G, combines obverse die 4 with reverse die G in the Vernon and Brown dual-portrait series. The progression through four obverse dies indicates at least four distinct portrait interpretations of Vernon and Brown were cut by English die sinkers. Reverse die G features naval or commemorative imagery specific to the Porto Bello engagement. The letter designations in the Adams-Chao system track reverse dies independently of obverse dies, allowing scholars to trace how specific reverses were paired with different obverses over time. Struck in copper alloy (AE), this medal belongs to the middle range of the PBvb die number sequence. Vernon and Brown's capture of Porto Bello with just six ships against fortified Spanish positions was considered one of the most audacious naval operations of the eighteenth century, and the dual-portrait medals celebrate the command partnership that achieved it. The variety of die pairings reflects the commercial energy of London's medal-striking trade.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. One of fifteen or more recorded PBvb obverse dies.

Cross References

A-C PBvb 4-G; PCGS #930234