(1758) Brass Medal Betts-404, Louisbourg

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,640 AU55 08-23-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

This brass medal, Betts-404, is another Louisbourg medal variety from 1758. The existence of multiple Betts numbers for Louisbourg medals reflects the importance Britain placed on this victory, which restored national confidence after the series of defeats that had characterized the early years of the war. The capture of Louisbourg was celebrated throughout the British Empire, with bonfires, illuminations, and public festivities marking the triumph. The Betts series documents the full arc of European colonialism in the Western Hemisphere, from the earliest Spanish exploration medals through the diplomatic pieces marking American independence. Many Betts medals were produced in very limited quantities for specific diplomatic or commemorative purposes, making high-grade examples of scarcer issues among the most sought-after items in the colonial American numismatic market. Medal varieties documenting the siege and capture of Louisbourg form an important sub-series within the broader Seven Years' War medal series in the Betts catalog.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Louisbourg siege medal variety.

Cross References

Betts-404