(1758) Bronze Medal Betts-403, Louisbourg

Coin Details

Auction Record

$960 VF30 08-24-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

This brass medal, Betts-403, commemorates Louisbourg in 1758. The capture of Louisbourg by British forces under General Jeffrey Amherst and Admiral Edward Boscawen on July 26, 1758, was one of the pivotal events of the Seven Years' War in North America. The massive French fortress, after withstanding a siege of nearly two months, surrendered to an overwhelming British force of 27,000 troops and 157 ships. The fall of Louisbourg opened the St. Lawrence River to British naval forces and set the stage for the campaign against Quebec the following year. 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. This brass medal documents one of the most significant British military victories in colonial American history.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Louisbourg capture medals document a pivotal Seven Years War victory.

Cross References

Betts-403