(1863) Bronze Medal Betts-515, William Pitt

Coin Details

Auction Record

$480 MS62BN 08-23-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1863 bronze medal is a restrike of the William Pitt medal (Betts-515), produced during the American Civil War era. The original Pitt medal was struck in 1766 to honor William Pitt the Elder for his opposition to the Stamp Act, which had provoked fierce colonial resistance. Pitt championed American rights in Parliament and argued that taxation without representation violated fundamental English liberties. The colonists regarded him as their greatest ally in the British government, and numerous medals, statues, and place names honored him throughout the colonies. The dissemination of commemorative medals through diplomatic channels, military distribution, and commercial sale created a network of information about New World events that complemented printed news and official correspondence. This 1863 restrike was produced during a period of renewed interest in American Revolutionary-era heroes, when the Civil War prompted Americans to look back to the founding generation for inspiration and moral authority.

Rarity Notes

Civil War-era bronze restrike of the 1766 original. The Pitt medal is one of the most historically significant in the Betts catalog. Scarce.

Cross References

Betts-515; William Pitt the Elder; Stamp Act repeal 1766