1759 Silver Medal Betts-422, James Wolfe

Coin Details

Description

This 1759 silver medal (Betts-422) is the silver version of the James Wolfe memorial medal, carrying greater material value and scarcity than the bronze (PCGS #614100). Wolfe's capture of Quebec on September 13, 1759 ranks among the most decisive battles in American colonial history — by removing France from Canada, it inadvertently set the stage for American independence, as the colonies no longer needed British military protection against the French threat. The silver composition made this version a premium commemorative for wealthier collectors and for presentation purposes. Collectors have pursued Betts medals since the nineteenth century, when numismatists first recognized these pieces as a coherent body of historical documentation worthy of systematic study and cataloging. General Wolfe was just 32 years old when he fell on the Plains of Abraham, and his youth and sacrifice transformed him into a romantic symbol of British martial virtue.

Rarity Notes

Original 1759 silver. Silver Wolfe medals are considerably scarcer than bronze. Rare.

Cross References

Betts-422; James Wolfe; Plains of Abraham; Quebec 1759; silver