1779 Medal Rhode Island, No Wreath MS(PCGS#579)

The January 2013 Americana Sale

Auktionator

Stack's Bowers

Losnummer

10668

Erhaltungsgrad

AU55

Preis

3.173

Losbeschreibung

"1778-1779" (Circa 1780) Rhode Island Ship Medal. Betts-562, W-1730. Without Wreath Below Ship. Brass. AU-55 (PCGS). 144.2 grains. A classic and enigmatic token issue among American 'colonial" specialists. Deep golden-brown surfaces exhibit some light microporosity in places, a matter of pre-striking planchet quality and not of circulation or the elements. The devices are crisp, as are the Dutch legends, and the all-around eye appeal is substantial. The popular variety with VLUGTENDE (fleeing) removed from beneath the reverse ship. Not much is known of the origins of this issue other than its legends seemingly report the evacuation of a portion of Rhode Island (as seen on the obverse) by American militia in August 1778 after the arrival of British Admiral Howe's fleet of warships in the vicinity. Choice for the grade.