(1759) Silver Medal Betts-417, Eimer-665 Guadaloupe Surrenders

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,763 MS64 11-02-2016 Stack's Bowers

Description

This silver medal, Betts-417, commemorates the surrender of Guadeloupe in 1759 with the Eimer-665 reference. In the spring of 1759, British forces captured the wealthy French sugar island of Guadeloupe after a campaign lasting several months. The capture of Guadeloupe was strategically significant and sparked a major debate in Britain about whether to keep the island or return it to France in exchange for Canada at the eventual peace settlement. The sugar lobby argued that Guadeloupe was more valuable than all of Canada, while expansionists favored keeping the continental territory. Medallic commemoration of colonial events was not limited to military victories — treaties, explorations, trading company foundings, missionary activities, and colonial administrative milestones all received medallic recognition. This debate, resolved in favor of Canada at the Treaty of Paris (1763), shaped the future of North America.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Guadeloupe medal documenting a pivotal colonial decision.

Cross References

Betts-417, Eimer-665