1763 Capture of Morro Castle Medal. Betts-443. Copper, 50 mm. MS-62 (PCGS).

889.4 grains. A very pleasing example of this well executed and evocative medal. Nice even medium brown with very few issues and a choice overall appearance. A little bit of verdigris is seen within the lower recesses of the obverse portraits, and a natural planchet fissure blends into the upper right obverse periphery. Very well detailed on both sides, including the dynamic scene on the reverse. Struck by the Spanish to commemorate the valiant defense of Havana's primary fortress, the Morro Castle, during the takeover by invading British and American troops. Estimate:s suggest that about 3,500 of the 28,000 British troops in Havana in 1763 were Americans; the Americans alone would have outnumbered the Spanish defenders.

From the Richard Margolis Collection. Earlier from Howard Simmons at the New York International Numismatic Convention, December 1998.

Estimate: $1500