1789 Silver Medal Breen-1079 Zespedes Florida

Coin Details

Auction Record

$13,200 VF Details 08-24-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1789 silver medal, cataloged as Breen-1079, is the silver presentation version of the Zespedes Florida medal, complementing the bronze (PCGS #939891). The silver composition marks this as a diplomatic or official piece intended for formal presentation during the transfer of Florida back to Spanish authority. Governor Zespedes managed relationships with the newly independent United States, remaining British subjects, Creek and Seminole nations, and his Spanish superiors. Breen-1079 silver versions would have been produced in extremely limited quantities. The production of commemorative medals in America spans from colonial-era pieces struck in European workshops to modern issues produced with twenty-first century digital design technology and advanced minting equipment. Spanish colonial medals in silver from the 1780s are among the rarest items in American numismatics.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Breen-1079, silver. Presentation-grade Spanish Florida medal, extremely limited production.

Cross References

PCGS #921204; Breen-1079; Zespedes; Spanish Florida; Silver; 1789