Relicific
Silver Member
One of the things I love about relic hunting,is researching a find and learning some history along the way.
Well yesterday's find is dripping with history,in fact you can read about it on the reverse side of the coin.
" He Took Porto Bello With Six Ships Only "
" Nov 22, 1739 "
So as you can imagine,when I unearthed this huge bronze coin,I was ecstatic.
This is what I learned about this commemorative coin,
Porto Bello was a Spanish port in what is now Panama.
The English had attempted to take it in 1726 with twenty ships and failed.
Captain Edward Vernon had boasted to Parliament that He could take Porto Bello with only six ships.
He was given a commission as Vice-Admiral of the blue,placed in command of a group of ships and given His chance.
Admiral Vernon successfully captured Porto Bello with six ships as He had boasted.
The population of England was elated,and these medals were issued to celebrate the occasion.
Here's a little American connection to this part of history,
In 1741 George Washington's half-brother, Lawrence Washington,served on Vernon's
flagship the princess Caroline and named His estate Mount Vernon in honour of His commander.
Porto Bello also came to be used in commemoration at a variety of locations, such
as Port Bello in Virginia and Port Bello in St. Mary's county Maryland.
As well as the Port Bello road in London.
Well yesterday's find is dripping with history,in fact you can read about it on the reverse side of the coin.
" He Took Porto Bello With Six Ships Only "
" Nov 22, 1739 "
So as you can imagine,when I unearthed this huge bronze coin,I was ecstatic.
This is what I learned about this commemorative coin,
Porto Bello was a Spanish port in what is now Panama.
The English had attempted to take it in 1726 with twenty ships and failed.
Captain Edward Vernon had boasted to Parliament that He could take Porto Bello with only six ships.
He was given a commission as Vice-Admiral of the blue,placed in command of a group of ships and given His chance.
Admiral Vernon successfully captured Porto Bello with six ships as He had boasted.
The population of England was elated,and these medals were issued to celebrate the occasion.
Here's a little American connection to this part of history,
In 1741 George Washington's half-brother, Lawrence Washington,served on Vernon's
flagship the princess Caroline and named His estate Mount Vernon in honour of His commander.
Porto Bello also came to be used in commemoration at a variety of locations, such
as Port Bello in Virginia and Port Bello in St. Mary's county Maryland.
As well as the Port Bello road in London.
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Congrats!
