1747 French Fleet Defeated Off Cape Finisterre / Lord Ansons Voyage Around the World Medal. Betts-382, Eimer-616. Copper. MS-64 BN (PCGS). 43.3 mm. Edge markings, if any, not visible through the PCGS holder. Attractively toned in autumn-brown, direct lighting calls forth not only blue-gray undertones, but also considerable mint orange color nestled within the protected areas around the design elements. Sharply struck, satiny in texture, and impressively smooth overall. One of the most recognizable medals in the Betts series, the Anson medal was struck in large numbers to celebrate the four year (1740-1744) circumnavigation of the globe by Commodore George Anson. Pingos classical design celebrates both Ansons circumnavigation of the globe and the later naval victory over the French fleet off Cape Finisterre, Spain. The captain of one of the ships involved in the circumnavigation, Vice Admiral John Campbell, had the distinction of having his name misspelled "CAMPHEL" on the original die, and later spelled incorrectly again in a second die, this time omitting the final L of his last name, as on this specimen. This fix was apparently close enough, as a perfect die was never produced.<p>Examples of this type were struck in gold, silver and copper. The gold specimens were undoubtedly reserved for Anson and the six officers who commanded his ships during the circumnavigation. Silver specimens would have gone to rank and file sailors and VIPs connected either with the battle off Cape Finisterre or the earlier circumnavigation. The copper specimens were likely made available to the public and, while the number of survivors suggests a fairly large distribution, precious few have come down to the present day with the quality and eye appeal offered here.
