(1880-1898) Bronze Medal Betts-69, Quebec Preserved

Coin Details

Description

This bronze restrike of the Quebec Preserved medal (Betts-69) was produced at the Paris Mint during the 1880-98 restrike period. Betts-69 is one of the earliest variants in the Quebec Preserved series commemorating the French defense of Quebec against the English expedition of Sir William Phips in 1690. Governor Frontenac's successful defense preserved French control of the St. Lawrence Valley for another seven decades until the fall of Quebec to the British under General Wolfe in 1759. The medal's Latin inscription "Kebeca Liberata" (Quebec Freed) proclaimed the victory throughout European diplomatic circles. Medal production technology evolved significantly during the Betts period, from the hand-engraved dies and screw presses of the sixteenth century to the more mechanized operations that became standard by the mid-eighteenth century. This late Paris Mint restrike makes the design accessible to collectors, as original seventeenth-century strikings are exceedingly rare and command substantial premiums.

Rarity Notes

Paris Mint bronze restrike, 1880-98 period. Original 1690 strikings are extremely rare. Scarce.

Cross References

Betts-69; Quebec Preserved; Kebeca Liberata; Frontenac; King William's War 1690