1739 Historical Admiral Vernon Fort Chagre Medal

Value of 1739 Admiral Vernon Fort Chagre Medal

This medal celebrated Admiral Edward Vernon overtaking Porto Bello, a vital Spanish port in Panama. Vernon overtook the harbor with six ships, as he had boasted to Parliament. The English celebrated the victory with many similarly designed medals. The obverse depicts half-length image of Vernon facing left, his baton in his left hand and his right hand extended. Behind displays a tree on the right and a fort on the left. Around the image states, “The British: Glory Reviv D. by Admiral Vernon”. In the left field is written, “Fort Chagre”. Reverse depicts the attack on Porto Bello. Six ships, all facing to the left, are depicted sailing into the harbor. The tall buildings in the harbor point towards the legend, which reads, “Who took Porto Bello with six ships only” and in exergue, “Nov. 22, 1739.” While dated 1739, this medal was struck later.

The obverse and reverse text read as follows: The British Glory Reviv D By Admiral. Vernon; Fort Chagre | and | Who Took Porto Bello with Six Ships Only; Nov. 22, 1739.