- HOME - COIN INDEX
- >
- WORLD & ANCIENT COINS / MEDALS
- >
- Betts-101 - 1702 American Treasure Captured at Vigo Bay medal / PCGS MS-65
Betts-101 - 1702 American Treasure Captured at Vigo Bay medal / PCGS MS-65
Betts-101; Elmer-394; MI-238/22. Edge lettered. Struck in silver. 40.7 mm. 29.6 grams. This historic medal has flashy, reflective fields and stellar deep golden gray toning, showing a level of eye appeal and preservation that is both uncommon to this elusive issue and scarce on medals of this era in general. Only the most minor hairlines are found with a strong light, with no other flaws noticed under careful examination. The busy high relief design shows evidence of multiple strikes to bring up its fine details, which depict in allegorical and actual forms, the capture of Spanish treasure and trophies by the English on the coast of Portugal. Raised letter edge inscription from Roman poet Ovid, +* DECIDIT IN CASSES PRAEDA PETITA MEOS OVID, "The Prey Sought for has Fallen into my Net." This is perhaps the most interesting design in the Vigo series, though it is not the rarest, an honor that belongs to Betts-94. The story of Vigo was much celebrated, as multiple ships were grounded or burned to the water line, allowing the English forces to capture millions of ounces of silver and gold. Coins struck from the captured loot were marked VIGO under Queen Anne's bust, and some medals, such as Betts-97, were also struck from the captured bullion.
Finest known.
Ex John Sallay Collection