(1778) Silvered Bronze Medal Betts-523, Earl of Chatham

Coin Details

Description

Betts-523 in silvered bronze is a variant of the Earl of Chatham memorial medal, featuring a thin silver wash applied over a bronze base to create a silver-like appearance at lower cost. Silvered bronze medals occupy a middle ground between plain bronze and solid silver, offering the visual appeal of precious metal without the full material cost. The silvering process involved dipping or brushing the finished bronze medal with a silver compound, creating a bright surface that gradually wore to reveal the bronze beneath. This treatment was applied to medals intended for recipients who merited something finer than standard bronze. The Earl of Chatham was one of the most honored figures in the pre-Revolutionary Betts catalog, and silvered bronze memorial medals represent a practical solution for producing attractive commemoratives at moderate cost.

Rarity Notes

Silvered bronze variant. Intermediate finish between bronze and silver. Scarce, especially with silvering intact.

Cross References

Betts-523; PCGS #889745