(1747) Silver Medal Betts-382, Lord Anson's Voyage

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,680 AU58+ 06-17-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

This silver medal, Betts-382, is a silver variant of the Lord Anson's Voyage medal. The silver composition places this between the rare gold and common copper versions in terms of prestige and availability. Anson's return to England in June 1744, with wagons loaded with captured Spanish treasure parading through the streets of London, was one of the most spectacular displays of naval plunder in British history. The event generated enormous public enthusiasm and helped sustain support for the war against Spain despite the disappointing results of the Cartagena expedition. The survival rate of colonial-era medals varies dramatically by material and original production quantity, with gold presentations being the rarest and bronze issues struck in larger quantities being relatively more available to collectors. Silver medals commemorating the voyage were purchased by the emerging middle class of merchants and professionals.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Silver version of the Anson voyage medal.

Cross References

Betts-382 (silver)