Admiral Vernon & Brown portraits Medal

Value of 1739 Admiral Vernon and Brown portraits Medal

This medal celebrated Admiral Edward Vernon’s success over the Spanish. The English celebrated his victories with many similarly designed medals. While not historically accurate, this medal depicts Don Blas, the commander of the Spanish Fleet, kneeling before Vernon and surrendering his sword. In actuality, Blas escaped before the English took the fleet. Vernon, on the left, faces to the right and is grasping the sword with his left. Around the image states, The Spanish pride pulled down by Admiral Vernon” and Blas is recognized by his name appearing over his head. Reverse depicts the six ships, entering the harbor. The legend states, “Who took Porto Bello with six ships onlv [sic].” and in exergue “Nov 22 1739”. Four types of medals with the incorrectly spelt reverse legend exist. Since the British success over the Spanish fleet and Blas took place in 1741, we can hereby date this medal by that year.

The obverse and reverse text read as follows: The Spanish Pride Pulld Down by Adml Vernon; Don | Blass | and | Who. Took. Porto. Bello. With. Six. Ships. Onlv. [sic].; Nov. 22. 1739.