(1880-1898) Bronze Medal Betts-143, Louisburg

Coin Details

Description

This bronze restrike of the Louisburg medal (Betts-143) was produced at the Paris Mint during the 1880-98 restrike period. The original medal commemorated the Siege of Louisbourg in 1745, when a force of New England colonial militia under William Pepperrell, supported by a British naval squadron, captured the French fortress of Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island. The fall of Louisbourg was one of the most remarkable military achievements of the colonial era — an army of farmers and fishermen successfully besieged one of the strongest fortifications in North America. The victory was short-lived, however, as the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748 returned Louisbourg to France, infuriating the colonists who had sacrificed blood and treasure to capture it. This late Paris Mint restrike preserves the commemorative design.

Rarity Notes

Paris Mint bronze restrike, 1880-98 period. Later restrike period. Scarce.

Cross References

Betts-143; Siege of Louisbourg 1745; Pepperrell; King George's War