1781 Silver Medal Betts-589, Battle of Doggersbank

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,920 MS62 05-12-2024 Heritage Auctions

Description

This 1781 silver medal (Betts-589) is yet another variant of the Battle of Dogger Bank commemorative series. The Betts-589 design offers a different artistic interpretation of the naval engagement, emphasizing different aspects of the battle or honoring different participants. Dutch medal engravers produced this extensive series to satisfy public demand for commemorative pieces celebrating the engagement. The battle was particularly meaningful because it occurred in Dutch home waters — the Dogger Bank is a shallow area in the central North Sea that had been a traditional Dutch fishing ground for centuries. The Betts series documents the full arc of European colonialism in the Western Hemisphere, from the earliest Spanish exploration medals through the diplomatic pieces marking American independence. Fighting a major naval battle in their own maritime backyard gave the engagement additional emotional resonance for the Dutch public.

Rarity Notes

Original 1781 silver. Dogger Bank variant Betts-589. Scarce.

Cross References

Betts-589; Battle of Dogger Bank 1781; Dutch naval commemoration