1697 French Victories Against Spain (Cartagena Captured) Medal. Betts-86B. Bronze. MS-63 BN (PCGS).
69.9 mm. 2141.6 grains. Plain edge. Obverse signed R for Henri Roussel. Listed as Betts-unlisted in the 2006 Ford sale, this piece has since been renumbered as Betts-86B. As Christopher McDowell suggests, it was likely the first medal of this design and the one that inspired the later copies known as Betts-85 and Betts-86. This is an extraordinary rarity in the series, and it's easy to see why: on both this specimen and the one in Ford, the obverse die is entirely bisected by a profound crack from 4 o'clock to 8 o'clock. This example is still well struck, with at least two strikes visible. The surfaces are glossy and lustrous chocolate brown. Some very well hidden hairline scratches are visible in the left obverse field, the portrait's cheek, and in the left and central reverse fields. A few spots are seen, the largest of which is centered behind Louis' head. The rims are neatly filed in typical Paris Mint fashion. Ford's example was a remarkable demonstration of damascening, a process whereby gold leaf is applied to devices to highlight them in golden contrast. The Ford piece last sold in the 2013 Adams sale at $21,150. We've never seen another example.
From the Joe Foster Collection. Earlier ex Rare Legacy, August 2018.

Estimate: $5000