1782 Holland Declares America Free Medal. Betts-607. Silver, 32.1 mm. MS-61 (PCGS).A scarce and important Betts number from dies by Lageman, struck without the artistic merit of Holtzheys contributions to the post-Revolutionary War canon but with just as much historical interest. Deep antique silver gray with navy blue toning and rich dark golden highlights. Very nicely preserved and free of significant marks, just showing some hairlines on the reverse. The allegorical designs are simple to understand, but unaddressed by Betts and other authors is the identity of the plant at the business end of the lance on the left side of the obverse. Its topped with a Dutch style "free hat" or Liberty cap, but one wonders if the vegetables at its pointed tip are intended to be thistles and shamrocks.PCGS# 615032.<strong>To view supplemental information and all items from the Sydney F. Martin Collection, click<a href="https://stacksbowers.com/sydney-f-martin-collection/"target=’_blank’> here.</a></strong>.From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex the F.C.C. Boyd Collection; our (Stacks) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 268.
