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| 1666 Conquest of St. Christopher |
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MEDAL 1666 BETTS-42 CONQUEST ST.CHRISTOPHER
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NGC MS 64
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Betts-42 Copper. This medal was struck to commemorate the conquest of St. Christopher. St. Christopher was settled by France and Brittian. The French ejected the British in 1666 only to have them retern the next year. The obverse features a bust of Louis XIII. The reverse is according to Betts and Indian Queen. She is holding the shield of France with the shield of Britain at her feet. Exergue is translated The French colony established. England driven from the island of St. Christopher 1666. - Ex: John J. Ford
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| 1670 Colonization Medal |
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SILVER 1670-DATED BETTS-44 COLONIZATION MEDAL
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NGC VF
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Betts-44 Silver. The obverse of this medal features Busts of Charles II and Queen Catherine. Catherine of Braganza (1638-1705) was the daughter of Portuguese King John IV. She brought the beginnings of Britain's Indian Empire as her dowry, including the port of Bombay. The Reverse shows A globe the legend suggest British colonization around the world.
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| 1674 Victory at Martinique |
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COPPER 1674 BETTS-48 VICTORY AT MARTINIQUE
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NGC MS 64 BN
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Betts-48 Copper. Struck to commemorate the victory by the French at Martinique, which is an island in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Martinique was attacked by the British in 1666 and 1667 unsuccessfully. The island was guaranteed to the French by the Treaty of Breda in 1667 however during the second part of the struggle for the Spanish Netherlands the Dutch attempted an invasion in 1674. The terrible defeat of Admiral Michael Adrian Ruiter's invasion fleet with great loss of life. Obverse is a bust of Louis XIV. The reverse in translated the American Colony of the French victorious. The bottom translated the Dutch slain and put to flight at Martinique, 1674. Dies by Mauger.
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| 1677 Dutch Fleet Burned |
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MEDAL 1677 BETTS-58 DUTCH FLEET BURNED
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NGC AU 50
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Betts-58 Brass This commemorates the "fireball" that destroyed the Dutch fleet and fort at Tobago, which made way for the French to take the island. This was just one part in the European battle for dominance of the valuable islands of the West Indies. Dies By Nyris.
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| 1693 Felicitas Domus Augustae |
FRANCE - 1601-1643
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1 1693 Betts-75 Felicitas Domus Augustae
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NCS AU
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Betts-75 Bronze Obverse is a bust of Louis XIV. The reverse is the Dauphin and Dukes of Burgundy, Anjou, and Berry. Felicitas Domus Augustae is translated The pride of the Royal house. Silver pieces were given to the Indians. - Ex: John J. Ford
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| 1697 Carthagena Captured |
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BRONZE 1697 BETTS- 84/83 CARTHAGENA CAPTURED
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NGC MS 63 BN
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Betts-84/83 Bronze. Struck to commemorate the capture of Cartagena. The capture brought treasure worth an estimated 100 million in today's dollars to the French. Cartagena which also known as Cartagena de las Indias or Cartagena of the Indies, is a large city seaport on the northern coast of Colombia.It was founded about 1533. Cartagena was a key port in the Spanish treasure shipment system. Its defenses repelled several attacks such as Sir Francis Drake in 1533 and Admiral Vernon in 1741, which made its capture by the French in 1697 that much more remarkable. The obverse is a bust of Louis XIV. The reverse translates the treasue of the Spaniards carried away. The bottom translates the American Carthage taken by storm 1697.
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| 1697 Carthagena Captured |
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MEDAL 1697 BETTS-86 CARTHAGENA CAPTURED
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NGC MS 64
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Betts-86 Copper. This medal was struck to for the capture of Carthagena. Further described in previous medal listing. The reverse is translated victory the companion of the French. At Carthagena in the new world: at Atham in Flanders; at Barcelona in Spain.
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| 1702 French and Spanish Defeated at Vigo |
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BRASS 1702 BETTS-95 AMER. TREASURE CAPTURED
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NGC AU 58
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Betts-95 Brass.The battle of Vigo Bay is described in the next medal. This obverse of this medal is a copy of Betts 98. The reverse is translaed by the bravery of the English and Dutch. The exergue is translated the fleet burned, and American treasure captured. This medal was struck by Lazarus Gottlieb Laufer.
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| 1702 French & Spanish Defeated at Vigo Bay |
GREAT BRITAIN - 1660-1815
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COPPER 1702 BETTS-97 FRENCH & SPANISH DEFEATED
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NGC MS 63 BN
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Betts-97 Copper.
Struck to Commemorate the English and Dutch capture, burning, and sinking of the French and Spanish treasure fleet at Vigo Bay. The French and Spanish lost 2,000 and the English and Dutch 800. The victors recovered silver worth about 14,000 pounds. A sum of an estimated three million pounds had been unloaded and taken away before the battle. British guinea coins of 1703 bear the word VIGO to commemorate the battle.The obverse features Queen Anna and the inscription is translated Anna, by the grace of God, Queen of Great Britain, France, and Ireland. The obverse shows Vigo Harbor. By John Croker
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| 1736 Jernegan's Cistern Medal |
GREAT BRITAIN - 1660-1815
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SILVER 1736 BETTS-169 JERNEGAN'S CISTERN MEDAL
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NGC MS 62
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Betts-169 Silver.
This was struck and distributed to purchasers of a lottery of a silver vase. Which was drawn in 1737. The only reference to America is in the palmetto trees on the obverse. The design and legend indicate the protection afforded by the Queen to the Plantations. 30,000 were struck.
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| 1739 Admiral Vernon - Porto Bello |
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MEDAL 1739 BETTS-238 VERNON - PORTO BELLO
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NGC MS 61
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Betts-238 Copper.This medal is one a large series labeled the Vernon medals. Many English viewed the Spanish fortifications in the New World with awe and respect, especially Portobello and Cartagena. Portobello was a fortified port, in what is now Panama, where Spanish gold and silver that was mined from Peru was collected and shipped. Captain Edward Vernon boasted to Parliament that he could take Portobello with only six ships. On November 21st, 1739, Admiral Vernon attacked, what some regarded as an Iron Fort at the mouth of the harbor of Portobello, with only six ships as he claimed. The names of the six ships were: the Burford, the Hampton Court, the Worcester, the Strafford, the Princess Louisa and the Norwich. In 1741 George Washington's half-brother, Lawrence Washington, served on Vernon's flagship the Princess Caroline and named his estate Mount Vernon in honour of his commander.
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| 1740 Admiral Vernon Porto Bello and Ft. Charge |
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COPPER 1740 BETTS-281 PORTO BELLO & FT CHAGRE
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NGC VF BN
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Betts-281 Copper.
Described above.
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| 1739 Vernon and Blass |
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MEDAL 1739 BETTS-306 VERNON & BLASS
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NGC AU 55
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Betts-306 Brass. A description about the medals in the Vernon series is described above. This medal was struck to commemorate the taking of Carthagena. In this capture Vernon was accompanied by Sir Chaloner Ogle and Gen. Wentworth. With a total of 30 ships of the line and about 80-85 other vessels. This medal features Admiral Vernon and Don Blass on the obverse. Don Blass de Leso was the commander of the Spanish fleet in the harbor of Carthagena. It was later discovered that Blas escaped before the British arrived.
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| 1747 Admiral George Lord Anson |
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SILVER 1741 BETTS-382 ANSON'S VOYAGE
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NGC AU 58
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Betts-382 Silver.
Struck to commemorate Admiral George, Lord Anson's Defeat of the French at Cap Finisterre , which was part of the war of Austrian succession, and Circumnavigation of the Globe. The first Battle of Cap Finisterre, between Anson's 13 ships of the line and the French admiral de la Jonquiere's smaller fleet, lasted three hours and saw most of the French men of war taken. Most of the French merchantmen de la Jonquiere had been escorting escaped. Anson's earlier circumnavigation was eclipsed by his capture of a Spanish treasure fleet in South American waters whose prize money made him a very rich man. Anson's later happy tenure at the Admiralty led to his naming as the Father of the British Navy. By T. Pingo.
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| 1752 West Indies Campaign |
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(none) 1752 Betts-384 West Indies Campaign
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NGC AU 50
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Betts-384 Rev. Silver. This medal refers to the Compagnie Des Indes Occidentales which was the sole remnant of the John Law schemes. - Ex: John J. Ford
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| 1751 Franco-American Jetons |
FRANCE - 1601-1643
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1 1751 Betts-385 Franco-American Jeton
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NCS F
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Betts-385 Copper. The obverse is a bust of Louis XV. The reverse legend is translated they increase beneath every constellation. Exergue is translated French colonies in America. Dies by Du Vivier.
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| 1751 Franco-American Jeton |
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COPPER 1751 BETTS-385 FRANCO-AMERICAN JETON
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NGC XF 40 BN
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Betts-390 Copper. Franco-American Jetons began as counters to assist in reckoning sums. During the 17th century in France they became more commemorative of the king. These series that was struck from 1751-1758, each year having an issue, they depicted events that were important to France in the New World. This Jeton features a bust of Louis XV with a lion’s skin around him. The reverse show a beaver pelt hanging on top of the galley of the ship. Non Vilius Aureo is translated as follows not less valuable than the gold. It is thought that this means that the peltry of the beaver was not less desirable than the golden fleece sought by Jason. - Incorrectly Labeled by NGC Should be 1755 or 1758 Betts-390.
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| 1758 Louisbourg Captured |
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BRASS 1758 BETTS-403 LOUISBOURG CAPTURED
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NGC AU 55
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Betts-403 Brass.This medal commemorates the capture of Fortress Louisbourg gave control of the St. Lawrence River to the British. Louisbourg was the greatest fortress in America at its time. It was in the extreme east of Canada, on the island of Cape Breton, near the best fishing-grounds, and on the flank of the ship channel into the St Lawrence Obverse is a Bust of Admiral Boscawen. The reverse shows a view of the siege. - Ex: John J. Ford
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| 1758 British American Victories |
GREAT BRITAIN - 1660-1815
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BRONZE 1758 BETTS-416 BRITISH VICTORIES OF 1758
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NGC MS 61
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Betts-416 Bronze.
Commemorating British-American Victories. Reverse shows Britannia in cart drawn by lion trampling French lilies flanked by Freedom and Justice. The banner above is translated The unconquered alliance. Names of victorious commanders around, names of their victories closer to the edge with the American triumphs of Louisbourg, Forts Frontenac and Duquesne placed at the right. - Ex: John J. Ford
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| 1759 Guadeloupe Taken |
GREAT BRITAIN - 1660-1815
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MEDAL 1759 BETTS-417 GUADELOUPE TAKEN
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NGC MS 63
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Betts-417 Copper.
Commemorates Guadaloupe taken. Obverse shows Britannia raises captive who is knealing Guadeloupe. Guadeloupe's strategic position and its domination by French privateers demanded its capture if British merchantmen were to avoid long and dangerous detours in the windward passage. The Peace of Paris, 1763 restored Guadeloupe to the French in return for Mobile and free navigation of the Mississippi. By Pingo. - Ex: John J. Ford
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| 1759 Guadeloupe Taken |
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BRONZE 1759 BETTS-417 GUADELOUPE SURRENDERS
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NGC MS 62
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Betts-417 Bronze.
Same As Preceeding
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| 1759 Quebec, Niagara, Etc. |
GREAT BRITAIN - 1660-1815
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COPPER 1759 BETTS-418 QUEBEC NIAGRA ETC..
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NGC AU 55 BN
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Betts-418 Copper.
Commemorating British-American Victories. Obverse shows Britannia in cart drawn by lion trampling French lilies flanked by Freedom and Justice. The banner above is translated The unconquered alliance. Names of victorious commanders around, names of their victories closer to the edge with the American triumphs of Louisbourg, Forts Frontenac and Duquesne placed at the right. Reverse is a shield bearing a fleur-de-lis, with the inscription PERFIDIA EVERSA translated treachery overthrown. The ribbon is translated William Pitt, Prime minister, under the auspices of George II.
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| 1759 Allied Commanders |
GREAT BRITAIN - 1660-1815
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BRASS 1759 BETTS-425 ALLIED COMMANDERS
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NGC AU 50 BN
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Betts-425 Brass.
This medal commemorates all the recent victories 0f 1758-1759 in America and elsewhere. The obverse features King George on the left and Frederick I of Prussia. The reverse shows seven allied commanders including H. William Pitt, who was considered the "inspiring genius" of the war, Prince Ferdinand, Prince Henry, Duke Brunswig, Adm. Boscawen, Col. Clive, and Gen. L. Amherst. - Ex: John J. Ford
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| 1760 Charles III Lima Proclaimed |
SPAIN - REAL COINAGE - 1601-1858
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1 1760 Betts-469 Lima Proclaimed
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NCS XF
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Betts-469 Silver. This medal is one of the proclamation of Charles III medals in the Betts series. Charles III became King of Spain after his brother Ferdinand died in 1759. In 1779 he declared war against England therefore becoming an alley of the Colonies of America. Charles III was one of the signers of the Declaration of Peace at Versailles in 1783. This medal is a proclamation of Lima and features a bust of Charles III. The reverse is translated Publicly we swear allegiance to the best Prince. This medal has been holed.
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| 1762 Fair Peace of Europe |
NETHERLANDS - 1817 TO DATE
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MEDAL 1762 BETTS-442 FAIR PEACE OF EUROPE
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NGC AU 55
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Betts-442 Silver.
Indian and Cupid top a column bearing the arms of Britain, France and Augsburg with a statue of peace, Mercury and the Belgian lion which are symbols of peaceful trade. This medal showed the hope that the articles of peace agreed to at Fontainebleau in 1762 would be ratified. Obverse translated “May it not delay the fair peace of Europe”. Dies by John George Holtzhey
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| 1763 Treaty of Hubertusburg |
GERMANY - STATES - 1801-1873
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SILVER 1763 BETTS-446 TREATY OF HUBERTUSBURG
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NGC AU 55
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Betts-446 Silver.
The Treaty of Hubertusburg was signed by Prussia, Austria, and Saxony. on 15 February 17633 at Hubertusburg. Together this with the Treaty of Paris, marked the end of the French and Indian War as well as the Seven Years' War. The treaty ended the continental conflict and resulted in no significant changes in prewar borders. The obverse shows a view of the Stadthaus in Hubertusburg, Peace flying above. Reverse in exergue, GERMANIA PACATA translated Germany at peace. - Ex: John J. Ford
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| 1766 William Pitt 1/2P |
United States
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1/2P 1766 WILLIAM PITT
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NGC AU 53 BN
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Betts-519 Copper. William Pitt ½P. Obverse is a bust of William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham a British statesman who achieved his greatest fame as Secretary of State during the Seven Years' War and who was later Prime Minister of Great Britain. He was also known as The Great Commoner. The major American city of Pittsburgh was named for him. He adimently opposed the Stamp act and the obverse speak to this as well as revese show this.
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| 1766 William Pitt |
GREAT BRITAIN - 1660-1815
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1P 1766 William Pitt
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NGC MS 64
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Betts-516 Bronze. William Pitt Medal. Willaim Pitt described above. Dies by Pingo.
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| 1766 William Pitt Copy |
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Betts-517 Brass. Same as above but a copy by Wyon.
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| 1775 By Deeds of Peace |
GREAT BRITAIN - 1660-1815
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CU (1775) B-531 BY DEEDS OF PEACE
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NGC MS 63 BN
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Betts-531 Copper.
This medal was struck to commemorate the settlement of Pennsylvania in 1681. The reverse shows William Penn and native American agreeing to the settlement of Pennsylvania. The obverse features a bust of William Penn and his year of birth and death. William Penn founded the Province of Pennsylvania that became the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. Penn urged for the joining of all the English colonies in what later become the United States of America. The democratic principles that Penn set forth in the Pennsylvania Frame of Government served as an inspiration and model for the United States Constitution. This medal was struck about 1775 by the request of Lady Julia Penn, who was the widow of Thomas Penn, who was William Penn's son. Struck by Thomas Pingo. - Ex: John J. Ford
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| 1777 George Washington Voltaire Medal |
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(none) 1777 Betts-544 George Washington Voltaire Medal
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NGC AU 50
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Betts-544 Bronze. The obverse shows a bust of George Washington although it bears no resemblance to Washington it is thought that since the engraver did not have an actual picture of Washington he modeled it after Jeremy Bentham. The obverse is a military trophy consisting of a flag, a drum, and a cannon and mortar. The reverse is translated Washington combines by a singular union the talents of a warrior and the virtues of a philosopher.
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| 1777 France To Aid America |
FRANCE - ESSAIS & PIEFORTS
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SILVER 1777 BETTS-558 FRANCE TO AID AMERICA
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NGC AU 55
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Betts-558 Silver.
It seems that this medal was struck to allude to the fact tha France was prepared to take a more active role in the alliance with the colonies against Britian.
The obverse features Louis XVI. The reverse shows Mars and Peace. The inscription is translated as follows arms preserve peace. According to Betts this was most likely a special issue of the French War Department. - Ex: John J. Ford
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| 1780 Treaty of Armed Neutrality |
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SILVER 1780 BETTS-572 TREATY ARMED NEUTRALITY
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NGC MS 63
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Betts-572 Silver.This medal was struck to commemorate the Treaty of Armed Neutrality. This treaty was entered into by Russia, Sweden, Denmark and Holland to resist the claims of England and to indirectly aid the American Colonies. The obverse shows the four countries that were involved in the treaty. The obverse is translated as follows: Jehovah, the Avenger of Treaties, confirms Catherine’s Treaty of assistance, so that the commerce of the neutral powers remains intact for the benefit of their people. Dies by A. V. Baerll. - Ex: John J. Ford
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| 1781 Escape of Dutch Fleet |
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SILVER 1781 BETTS-574 ESCAPE OF DUTCH FLEET
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NGC MS 61 PL
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Betts-574 Silver. This medal was struck to commemorate the first of many heroic acts of the fourth Anglo-Dutch War. This conflict came about in part from the American Revolution. Britian declared war on the Netherlands in late 1780, due to the continued claims of Dutch neutrality while assisting the American cause. Jacob Van Der Wint raced his ship to meet the Dutch fishing fleet in the North Sea to tell them of the declaration of war before they were at risk of attack. The obverse of this medal is Wint’s cutter. The reverse is translated by Betts as follows “ Dec. 29, 1780, sailed from Vlaarding in order to communicate the state of war to the fleet, and to recall the same; safely returned Jan. 11, 1781.
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| 1781 Britain Abandones the Sea |
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SILVER 1781 BETTS-588 BRITAIN ABANDONES SEA
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NGC MS 60 PL
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Betts-588 Silver. Struck to Commemorate the Battle of Doggersbank. The obverse shows an English and a Dutch fully rigged ship. Translated Huzza! Britain abandons the sea. The reverse is translated Oh Batavians, God sustains your right; Zoutman, by his heroic valor, has restored the honor of the free flag, and overcome arrogance in this battle. The Battle of Doggersbank in described better in my Betts-589 description. Dies by Adrian Van Baerl.
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| 1781 Compelled By Injuries (Battle of Doggersbank) |
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SILVER 1781 BETTS-589 COMPELLED BY INJURIES
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NGC MS 63
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Betts-589 Silver.
This medal commemorates the battle of Doggersbank, which was waged on August 5, 1781. This battle was between an English fleet commanded by Admiral Stewart and a Dutch fleet commanded by Admiral Zoutman. This has been descried as one of the most visually impressive in the Betts book. The obverse features a crowned female to symbolize Holland and the Batavian lion. The obverse is translated to the immortal defenders of the glory of the Netherland. The names in the wreathes are the Dutch Captains. Some say that this battle had significant influence in leading the Netherlands to acknowledge American Independence. - Ex: Glode M. Requa
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| 1781 William Washington Battle of Cowpens |
FRANCE - 1601-1643
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1 1781 Betts-594 William Washington Battle of Cowpens
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NGC MS 64
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Betts-594 Bronze. This medal was struck to commenorate the Battle of Cowpens which was fought in 1781, during the Southern campaign of the American Revolutionary War and was an overwhelming victory by American Revolutionary forces. It is considered the major turning point in the reconquest of South Carolina from the British,by most, and was one of the great American tactical masterpiece of the war. The obverse features Col. William Washing mounted, as he leads a charge of cavalry at the battle. The obvers is translated The American Conress to William Washington, Commander of a Regiment of Calvary. The obverse is translated Because with a small band of soldiers he energetically pursued the enemy, and gave a distinguished exaple of native valor in the battle at Cowpens. Other battles that Washington participated in are the Battle of Harlem Heights, Battle of Trenton, Battle of Hobkirk Hill, Battle of Eutaw Springs. This medal is a restrike from 1845-1860 paris mint. Dies by Duviv - Ex: Virgil Brand
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| 1783 French Libertas Americana |
FRANCE - 1601-1643
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45mm 1783 BETTS-608 LIBERTAS AMERICANA
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NCS F
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Betts-608. Silver. This medal was struck to commemorate the Treaty of Versailles which was signed on September 3, 1783 and ended the Revolutionary War. This medal is the French Libertas Americana medal. The obverse depicts Louis XVI pointing to a shield with America's 13 bars hung by Liberty on a pillar. The reverse shows Athena holding a spear growing into an olive tree and a ribbon linking the Arms of France, Britain, Spain, and Holland. Dies by Oexlein
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| 1783 Treaty of Paris |
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MEDAL 1783-DATED BETTS-610 TREATY OF PARIS
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NGC AU 50
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Betts-610 Silver. This medal shows Peace shakes hands with America on the obverse. The obverse is translated Thus concord unites enemies as friends. Underneath Peace and America The phrase PRUDENTIA & FATIS translated Prudence and the Fates. .The obverse shows Peace trampling on War. The revese is translated from the clash f arms, the joyful light of peace rises again. Out of the angles trumpet the words FIAT PAX or let there be peace.
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| 1783 The Peace of Versailles |
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MEDAL 1783 BETTS-612 THE PEACE OF VERSAILLES
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NGC MS 63
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Betts-612 Bronze. This medal was struck to commemortate the Treaty of Paris. The treaty of Paris formally ended the American Revolutionary War between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and the United States of America that had rebelled against their rule starting in 1775. The obverse is a bust of Louis XVI the inscription is translated Louis XVI Most Christian King. The revese is translated Peace between France and England at Versailles, 1783. - Ex: John J. Ford
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| 1786 Benjamin Franklin |
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MEDAL 1786 Betts-620 Benjamin Franklin
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NGC MS 64
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Betts-620 Bronze. The obverse features a bust of Benjamin Franklin and is translated Benjamin Franklin, born at Boston Jan. 17, 1706. The reverse is translated He snatched to thunderbolts from heaven and the scepter from tyrants, which it has been suggested is from The Astronomicon of Manilius. The medal pictured is a 19th century re strike of the original. - Ex: Scott Collection
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