POST MEDIEVAL MEDALLION

Unknown artist

Incomplete pewter medal commemorating Admiral Vernon's capture of Porto-Bello, 22 November 1739. Portobelo is a port city in the Province of Colón in Panama and was under Spanish colonial posession, when Vernon captured it in 1739. There are two versions that have the royal coat of arms on the obverse, as in this case, rather than a portrait of Vernon. Reference: Medallic Illustrations, Vol II, pp.539-40, nos 125-6 (Edward Besly pers comm).The other version has on the obverse:THE BRITISH.GLORY.REVIV.D.BY.ADMIRAL.VERNON. and a half-length figure of Vernon, three-quarters left, holding staff.On the reverse: WHO.TOOK.PORTO.BELLO.WITH.SIX.SHIPS.ONLY. Six ships entering Porto Bello harbour. In the exergue: NOV. 22. 1739.