GREAT BRITAIN. Admiral Rodney/Active, Brave, Victorious Bronze Medal, 1780. PCGS AU-50.Liechty-03 (this medal illustrated); BHM-225; Eimer-785; MH-378; S-NN/14. Diameter: 38mm. Obverse: Uniformed bust of Rodney facing three-quarters right; perimeter legend to left and right reading ADMIRAL RODNEY v; Reverse: Olive wreath around the perimeter containing three-line legend ACTIVE / BRAVE / VICTORIOUS with double horizontal line below; 1780 below line. A lustrous, attractive example of the type with pleasing deep umber-hued surfaces with scattered soft umber highlights. Well-struck and well-preserved with just light, even, wear. Listed as R-6 (13-30 known) in Leichty. Seldom offered, this is a chance for the specialist to acquire a superior specimen. This example is the plate medal in Liechty.<em>Rodney was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Leeward Islands in late 1779. His first assignment was to reinforce the British fleet at Gibraltar. Rodney set sail with a fleet 20 ships of the line. En route, his fleet encountered and captured a Spanish fleet off Cape Finisterre (on the northwest coast of Spain). Continuing to sail southward along the coast of Portugal, Rodney encountered Almirante Don Juan de Lángaras squadron south of Cape St. Vincent a mere eight days later. A brief, but fierce, nighttime engagement ensued in which Admiral Lángara was captured. Flush with two naval victories in quick succession, Rodney then proceeded to complete his re-supply mission to nearby Gibraltar. Rodney was nominated as a Knight of the Order of Bath after these successful exploits.</em><strong>To view all items from the Skyler Liechty Collection, click <a href="https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots?sort=auction_date_lot_number_asc&limit=96&search=Skyler+Liechty+Collection&lots_range=upcoming"> here.</a></strong>From the Skyler Liechty Collection.
