1739 Bronze Medal Admiral Vernon, A-C PBvi 1-A

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,200 MS62 08-24-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1739 bronze medal, cataloged as Adams-Chao PBvi 1-A, is the type variety for the Porto Bello Vernon's Portrait and Icons subgroup. The PBvi prefix designates medals with Vernon's portrait on the obverse accompanied by icons — symbolic devices such as anchors, cannons, flags, laurel wreaths, or other naval and military emblems that frame or augment the portrait. Die pairing 1-A represents the foundational combination in this extensive subgroup, which contains more die varieties than any other category in the Vernon series. The reverse die A features Porto Bello-related imagery. The PBvi subgroup's popularity among eighteenth-century buyers stems from its visually rich obverse design, where the icons surrounding Vernon's portrait created an immediately recognizable and impressive composition. Struck in copper alloy (AE), this medal represents the commercial core of the Vernon medal phenomenon, with the PBvi varieties collectively comprising the largest and most diverse category in the Adams-Chao catalog.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. As the 1-A type variety, this is one of the more frequently encountered PBvi die pairings.

Cross References

A-C PBvi 1-A; PCGS #922867