(1766) Bronze Medal Betts-514, William Pitt

Coin Details

Description

Betts-514 in bronze is a William Pitt medal from 1766, honoring the British statesman who led the war effort during the Seven Years' War and championed the rights of the American colonies during the Stamp Act crisis. William Pitt the Elder was enormously popular in America for two reasons: his wartime leadership had secured British victory in North America, and his parliamentary opposition to the Stamp Act had made him the colonists' most prominent defender in London. The 1766 date corresponds to the repeal of the Stamp Act, which Pitt's advocacy helped achieve. American colonists celebrated the repeal by commissioning portrait medals and statues honoring Pitt, making these among the most specifically "American" pieces in the Betts catalog. Betts-514 is one of several Pitt medal varieties (514-521), each with different designs, reflecting the depth of colonial gratitude toward this British champion of American rights.

Rarity Notes

Bronze William Pitt medal. Popular with both British and American colonial collectors. Moderately scarce.

Cross References

Betts-514; PCGS #971350