1781 Battle of Doggersbank Medal. Betts-585. Silver, 36.0 x 28.6 mm. MS-60 (PCGS).

Acquired from our offering of the Sallay Collection in November 2016, where it was described as: "A particularly high grade specimen of this military decoration, beautifully toned in deep gray with strong luster and toning highlights of blue and faint champagne. The obverse shows some subtle hairlines from an ancient polishing, but both sides remain bright and fresh in appearance. A light die crack crosses from the rim to the winged goddess's raised foot. Beautiful and historically important, this medal was given to Dutch veterans of the naval battle at Doggersbank, pitting the powerful Royal Navy against Dutch forces who were dragged into the conflict between England and America. The Dutch put up a good fight, resulting in a win or a draw depending upon the historical source cited. Either way, the effort was strong enough to not only humble the British fleet, but to galvanize pro-American opinion in the Netherlands. This medal exists in silver and gold, always struck with its integral loop." Its oval shape makes it unusual in the Betts series, but so too does its status as an actual military honor and not a simple commemorative piece. That particular usage meant this medal usually was worn on a uniform and polished to brightness rather than resting comfortable in a velvet-lined mahogany drawer. This remains one of the most attractive examples we've seen.

PCGS# 926053.

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From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Charles Kirtley, May 2001; John Sallay Collection; our sale of November 2016, lot 59.