1739 Silver Medal Admiral Vernon, A-C PBvi 6-G

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,880 XF Details 02-21-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1739 medal, cataloged as Adams-Chao PBvi 6-G, is the only silver (AR) striking among the 76 Admiral Vernon medals in this collection. While the vast majority of Vernon medals were struck in copper alloy (AE) for mass distribution, a small number were produced in silver for wealthier customers or as presentation pieces. The PBvi 6-G die pairing features Vernon's portrait with icons on the obverse and Porto Bello commemorative imagery on the reverse, identical in design to the bronze version but struck on a silver planchet. Silver Vernon medals are dramatically rarer than their bronze counterparts, as the higher cost limited their audience to gentlemen collectors, naval officers, and wealthy merchants with a personal stake in the war. The silver composition gives this medal a different visual character than the bronze versions — sharper detail retention and a distinctive gray-white patina that develops over centuries.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Silver Vernon medals are far scarcer than bronze, with silver PBvi varieties among the most sought-after in the series.

Cross References

A-C PBvi 6-G; PCGS #930211