(1863) Brass Medal Betts-516, Restrike William Pitt

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,680 MS63 11-30-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

This circa 1863 brass restrike of the William Pitt medal (Betts-516) is a third metallic variant of the Civil War-era restrike, joining the silver (PCGS #935386) and bronze (PCGS #541628) versions. Brass was an unusual choice for medal production, giving this piece a distinctive golden color that set it apart from the standard bronze and silver versions. The brass composition may indicate production outside the main mint facility or as a special order. All three metal variants of the 1863 Pitt restrike were produced during the Civil War, when Americans looked to the founding generation for moral inspiration. Pitt's defense of colonial liberty against Parliamentary overreach resonated with Union supporters who framed the Civil War as a struggle to preserve the republic that Pitt had helped to birth.

Rarity Notes

Civil War-era brass restrike, ca. 1863. Unusual metal choice makes this a distinctive variant. Scarce.

Cross References

Betts-516; William Pitt the Elder; brass variant