The Sydney F. Martin Collection of
Rhode Island Ship Medals
Struck in odd compositions, with legends in an obscure language, referring to a little-known event during the American Revolution, the Rhode Island Ship medals have always been enigmatic and little understood. In truth, they’re not all that complicated, and they readily fit into the broader theme of European medals of their era. The Sydney F. Martin Collection features 7 examples of Rhode Island Shop Medals (not coins). There are three known varieties of this medal, Betts-561, Betts-562, and Betts-563. Syd Martin’s Collection features all three varieties, and some in different metal compositions as well. Selling these exceedingly rare medals is a treat for Stack’s Bowers Galleries Auction House.
Additional Reading on Rhode Island Ship Medals
August 27, 2022
Sold For $132,000
“1778-1779” (ca. 1780) Rhode Island Ship Medal. Betts-561, W-1725. Vlugtende. Brass. AU-55 (PCGS).
View Lot 8254
Sold For $7,800
“1778-1779” (ca. 1780) Rhode Island Ship Medal. Betts-563, W-1740. Wreath Below Ship. Brass. MS-63 (PCGS).
View Lot 8255
Sold For $2,400
“1778-1779” (ca. 1780) Rhode Island Ship Medal. Betts-563, W-1740. Wreath Below Ship. Brass. Unc Details–Environmental Damage (PCGS).
View Lot 8256
Sold For $3,120
“1778-1779” (ca. 1780) Rhode Island Ship Medal. Betts-563, W-1740var. Wreath Below Ship. Silvered. EF-45 (PCGS).
View Lot 8257
Sold For $7,800
“1778-1779” (ca. 1780) Rhode Island Ship Medal. Betts-563, W-1745. Wreath Below Ship. Pewter. Unc Details–Tooled (PCGS).
View Lot 8258
Sold For $6,000
“1778-1779” (ca. 1780) Rhode Island Ship Medal. Betts-562, W-1730. Without Wreath Below Ship. Brass. MS-62 (PCGS).
View Lot 8259
Sold For $1,680
“1778-1779” (ca. 1780) Rhode Island Ship Medal. Betts-562, W-1730. Without Wreath Below Ship. Brass. AU Details–Environmental Damage (PCGS).
View Lot 8260
