1739 Bronze Medal Admiral Vernon, A-C PBvb 5-H Commodore Brown

Coin Details

Auction Record

$720 AU55 02-21-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1739 bronze medal, cataloged as Adams-Chao PBvb 5-H, pairs obverse die 5 with reverse die H in the Vernon and Brown subgroup. The PBvb 5 obverse offers yet another die sinker's interpretation of the two commanders, and reverse H presents imagery or text not found on the earlier lettered reverses. By the fifth obverse die, different workshops were producing competing versions, each trying to capture the likeness of Vernon and Brown from available source material. Contemporary published portraits of Vernon were widely circulated, but accurate depictions of Commodore Brown were scarcer, leading to considerable variation in his medallic portraiture. Struck in copper alloy (AE), this medal was sold through London shops, hawked at fairs and markets, and distributed at taverns where Vernon's exploits were celebrated. The PBvb 5-H pairing documents both the artistic range and commercial competition within the Vernon medal industry.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Higher-numbered obverse dies in the PBvb series may indicate smaller production runs.

Cross References

A-C PBvb 5-H; PCGS #902893