(1770) Bronze Medal Betts-526, George Whitefield

Coin Details

Description

Betts-526 in bronze is another George Whitefield memorial medal from 1770, featuring a design variation from Betts-525. The existence of multiple Whitefield medal designs (Betts-525 through 527) reflects the evangelist's enormous popularity and the widespread mourning that accompanied his death. Whitefield had made seven preaching tours of the American colonies between 1738 and 1770, visiting every colony and converting thousands with his powerful oratory. His ministry bridged denominational boundaries and social classes, making him the first truly intercolonial public figure. The multiple medal varieties produced after his death suggest that different publishers or patrons commissioned their own designs, each offering their artistic interpretation of Whitefield's features and legacy. Bronze strikings were produced for the broadest distribution among Whitefield's many admirers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Rarity Notes

Bronze Whitefield memorial medal, Betts-526 variety. Part of the multi-design memorial series. Scarce.

Cross References

Betts-526; PCGS #615226