Catalog Reference

A.J.N., V, 82; X, 86

Betts-45 is a unique silver medal of oblong shape. It measures 4 inches wide by 6 inches long. At the top of the abnormal shape is a crown, with a circular medal positioned below. The shield shows the royal arms with text surrounding in the ribbon. At the bottom of the medal is an oblong oval which bears the text "The Queene of Pamunkey". The reverse of the medal is bare, with the exception of prongs to hold the medal in place. As far as we are able to tell, this medal is one of one. It once resided in the collection of Dr. M. P. Scott of Baltimore, Maryland.

This frontlet was given to Pamunkey Queen Cockacoeske by King Charles II of England as part of the 1677 Treaty of Middle Plantation. In 2017, Preservation Virginia, who owned the medal, returned it to the Pamunkey tribe. Ashley Atkins Spivey, Pamunkey Indian Museum and Cultural Center director says “The Queen of Pamunkey frontlet is an invaluable part of Pamunkey history. It is the physical representation of our last treaty negotiated with England in 1677; a treaty that has been the cornerstone for upholding our rights over the past three centuries.” Preservation Virginia acquired the medal in the late 19th century for $800 from a private collector, who we assume was the aforementioned Dr. M. P. Scott of Baltimore.

Image courtesy of © Preservation Virginia, Katherine Wetzel