1766 White Metal Medal Betts-515, William Pitt

Coin Details

Auction Record

$360 AU58 04-13-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1766 white metal medal (Betts-515) is the white metal version of the William Pitt / Stamp Act medal. White metal — a tin-based alloy — was used for inexpensive popular-distribution medals, making this the most affordable version of the Pitt commemorative. The Stamp Act of 1765 had imposed direct taxes on printed materials in the colonies, provoking fierce resistance including the Stamp Act Congress, colonial boycotts, and the Sons of Liberty protests. Pitt's support in Parliament was crucial to the act's repeal. White metal medals were produced in larger quantities than silver or copper versions but are paradoxically scarce today because the soft metal is easily damaged and many examples have deteriorated or been lost over 260 years. Surviving examples in identifiable condition are uncommon.

Rarity Notes

Original 1766 white metal. Soft alloy makes well-preserved examples scarce despite originally larger production.

Cross References

Betts-515; William Pitt; Stamp Act 1766; white metal