"1778-1779" (ca. 1780) Rhode Island Ship Medal. Betts-562, W-1730. Without Wreath Below Ship. Brass. EF-40 (NGC).

An appealing lightly circulated example of this scarce type with minimally marked golden-olive surfaces and well balanced detail. The popular variety with VLUGTENDE (fleeing) removed from beneath the reverse ship. Traces of some of those letters are still visible on this piece. 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.

Estimate: $1’800.00