(1777) Silver Medal Betts-535, George III

Coin Details

Auction Record

$72,000 AU55 04-03-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

This circa 1777 silver medal (Betts-535) features King George III and relates to the American Revolution period. The medal was produced during the height of the Revolutionary War when George III was the most vilified figure in the American colonies. British medals from this period often presented the king in a favorable light as the defender of British sovereignty against colonial rebellion, providing a counterpoint to the American perspective. Betts-535 is significant as a document of the British view of the conflict, offering collectors a medallic perspective from the opposing side of the American independence struggle. Colonial-era medals were produced at royal mints, private workshops, and jewelers' studios across Europe, with production quality ranging from masterfully engraved official issues to crudely cast provincial pieces. Silver medals from this period are scarce as production was limited and many were melted over the subsequent centuries.

Rarity Notes

Circa 1777 silver medal. Revolutionary War period British perspective. Scarce.

Cross References

Betts-535; George III; American Revolution; British perspective