Betts-590
1781 Battle of Doggersbank Medal
Obverse Text: VII • HOLL : TEGEN IX ENGEL : SCHEEP : VICTOR : BEVO : | 5 AUG : 1781 •
Reverse Text: PAS KOOMT DE | VLOOT IN ZEE | MET NEER LANDS | HELDEN STOET | OF S'VYANDS TROTS | HEYD ZWIGT | VOOR VATERLAND | SCHE MOED • | I • M • LAGERMAN •
Catalog Reference
V.L. Sup. 564a
The Dutch struck this medal to commemorate their overcoming remarkable odds by fighting the mighty British Navy to a draw at Doggersbank during the American Revolution, when the Netherlands' support of the nascent United States drew them into conflict with England. The design shows Leo Belgicus standing at a temple representing Amsterdam defending a caduceus to represent commerce, notably the rich trade developed with the United States during the Revolution. This medal comes with two reverses. Reverse A shows a straight exergual line, while Reverse B shows a curved exergual line which we refer to as a "Cupid's Bow" style. The example shown to the left is Reverse A.
