1739 Bronze Medal Admiral Vernon, A-C PBvb 6-J Commodore Brown

Coin Details

Auction Record

$216 XF40 02-21-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1739 bronze medal, cataloged as Adams-Chao PBvb 6-J, features obverse die 6 paired with reverse die J. The PBvb subgroup's extensive die roster — this being the sixth obverse — reflects the remarkable commercial viability of dual-portrait Vernon and Brown medals. Reverse die J (the Adams-Chao system skips I to avoid confusion with the numeral 1) carries distinctive Porto Bello imagery or commemorative text. The six-ship squadron that attacked Porto Bello consisted of HMS Burford (Vernon's flagship), HMS Hampton Court, HMS Worcester, HMS Princess Louisa, HMS Stafford, and HMS Norwich. Medals in this series often reference "six ships" as a key element of the narrative, emphasizing the audacity of attacking a fortified harbor with such a small force. Struck in copper alloy (AE), this variety documents the sustained popularity of dual-portrait medals that gave equal billing to Vernon's second-in-command.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. The PBvb 6-J pairing is one of the less frequently encountered Vernon and Brown combinations.

Cross References

A-C PBvb 6-J; PCGS #930235