1780 Treaty of Armed Neutrality Medal. Betts-571. Silver, 49 mm. MS-62 (PCGS). 641.8 grains. A finer than usual example of this avidly sought medal, with bold reflectivity in the fields of both sides and attractive multicolored peripheral toning framing the brilliant centers. The usual hairlines are present, as are a scattering of marks in the left obverse field, but the eye appeal is superb. This is easily the finest example weve sold since the November 2015 sale of the Adams specimen.<p><p>Struck to commemorate the Russian entry into the League of Armed Neutrality, this medal depicts Catherine the Great on the obverse and a triumphant Poseidon on the reverse, celebrating MARE LIBERVM or "a free ocean" with Mercury, signifying commerce, and a Dutch trader. The shields of the four members of the League are depicted at the center: Russia, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands.<p><p>Accompanied by a likely late 19th century round collector ticket in Dutch. From the Richard Margolis Collection. Earlier from Laurens Schulmans Fixed Price List 13, October 1993, lot 3154; from Jean-Paul Divo of Spink Taisei Numismatics at the New York International Numismatic Convention, December 1993.
