(1845-1860) Bronze Medal Betts-70, Quebec Preserved

Coin Details

Description

This bronze restrike of the Quebec Preserved medal (Betts-70) was produced at the Paris Mint during the 1845-60 restrike campaign. The original medal commemorated the successful French defense of Quebec in 1690 against the English naval expedition led by Sir William Phips during King William's War. Phips sailed a fleet of thirty-four vessels up the St. Lawrence River and demanded the surrender of Quebec, but Governor Frontenac famously replied that he would answer only with the mouths of his cannons. The French repulsed the English assault, and Louis XIV ordered this medal struck to celebrate the victory. The quality of die engraving on the finest Betts medals rivals the best European artistic production of their respective periods, with master medalists achieving remarkable detail in portraits, landscapes, and battle scenes. Betts-70 is one of several variants in the Quebec Preserved series (Betts-69 through Betts-73), each featuring slightly different designs or legends celebrating the same event.

Rarity Notes

Paris Mint bronze restrike, 1845-60 period. Part of the Quebec Preserved medal group. Scarce.

Cross References

Betts-70; Quebec Preserved; Kebeca Liberata; King William's War 1690