1697 Cartagena Captured Medal. Betts-84A. Bronze. MS-64 BN (PCGS).
41.5 mm. 507.8 grains. Plain edge. An extraordinary rarity in the series, missing from every notable modern collection of Betts medals including LaRiviere, Ford, Adams, and more. Betts muffed the description of Betts-84 a bit, spelling out the exergual legend incorrectly because he had only ever seen one in a book versus in person; he was corrected by the editors, Low and Marvin, in a footnote, thus making this variety "Betts-84A" because Betts-84, as described by Betts, doesn't really exist. Low and Marvin described this variety as "a mule in this series, obverse of 84 and reverse of 83." This medal displays choice chocolate brown surfaces, glossy and lustrous, with exceptional eye appeal. A hint of old verdigris is noted within protected areas of the periphery. The rims are filed in typical Paris Mint fashion, though a rim cud is still visible above 3 o'clock on the obverse. This is a lovely example of this standout rarity in the Betts series, one that would improved any of the advanced collections sold in the lifetime of anyone reading these words.
From the Joe Foster Collection.

Estimate: $2000