(1758) AE Medal Betts-410, Louisbourg, BN MS(PCGS#613677)

August 2023 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

8094

等级

MS63BN

价格

37,574

详细说明

1758 Louisbourg Taken Medal. Betts-410. Copper, 43.8 mm. MS-63 (PCGS). 507.7 grains. A beautiful example of this classic historical medal, one avidly collected by enthusiasts of militaria and commemorative medals on both sides of the Atlantic (and both sides of the Niagara frontier). Choice and lustrous chocolate brown with attractive undertones. A superb looking example, sharp and undamaged, with just some minor hairlines seen under a glass. The designs are supremely well showcased here, including the highly accurate depiction on the reverse of the naval battle at Louisbourg, focusing on the overtaking and burning of the French men-of-war Bienfaisant and Prudent. This is a core medal to include in a well-formed collection of Betts medals. Not only was the commemorated event of literally history-changing importance, but this medal bridges the gap between commemorative medal and military decoration. The taking of Louisbourg was of prime interest to Americans at the time (particularly New Englanders, who took the fort in 1745 and saw treaty negotiators give it back to the French) and its capture altered the trajectory of North American history immensely. Add to all that how well executed these medals are, from design to striking, and it becomes one of the five or ten most important Betts medals every collector should hope to own. Provenance: From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from Sotheby's (Canada) sale of the Robert W. Reford Collection, October 1968, lot 86 (part); our (Stack's) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 39. To view supplemental information and all items from the Sydney F. Martin Collection, click here. PCGS# 613677.