1739 Bronze Medal Admiral Vernon, A-C PBvi 3-C

Coin Details

Auction Record

$432 AU50 02-21-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1739 bronze medal, cataloged as Adams-Chao PBvi 3-C, continues the sequential die numbering of the Vernon Portrait and Icons series. Obverse die 3 and reverse die C each represent distinct dies cut by English craftsmen. The C reverse features a Porto Bello harbor scene or map, as these were among the most popular reverse subjects in the PBvi series. Vernon's capture of Porto Bello was a perfect subject for medallic art — the harbor with its ring of fortifications, the six British ships arranged in battle formation, and the dramatic surrender all provided rich visual material for die sinkers. The PBvi format placed Vernon's heroic portrait on the obverse with military icons, reserving the reverse for the narrative of the battle itself. Struck in copper alloy (AE), this medal exemplifies the standard production quality of the Vernon medal trade, where skilled but not necessarily elite die sinkers produced work that was commercially viable and artistically competent.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Mid-range PBvi die pairings reflect standard production volumes.

Cross References

A-C PBvi 3-C; PCGS #930203