1779 Medal Rhode Island, Wreath Below Ship Betts-563 MS(PCGS#576)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

1270

Grade

AU58

Price

3.600

Lot Description

A handsome and richly original example of this type at a grade point that will appeal to many collectors. Rub is trivial and confined to a few isolated high points, the design remaining razor sharp to full throughout. Clearly this is an expertly produced piece. It is also a carefully preserved one for, apart from the aforementioned rub - which, again, is trivial - the surfaces are smooth in hand with no marks or significant blemishes. Only upon close inspection will one discern a few swirls of light crimson surface scale on the reverse, engaging the island in a few places and also present at the lower border. These blend nicely with the toning, however, which is bold steely-copper on hard, satiny surfaces. The type collector of colonial era coins and medals would be hard pressed to find a nicer Rhode Island ship medal in this composition without advancing well into the Mint State grade range. A piece that offers excellent overall value.