1795 (1796) Capture of Ceylon medal. Silver, 49.3 mm, 61.1 mm with riveted silver post edge mount. MY-77, BBM-25. Choice About Uncirculated.

1795 (1796) Capture of Ceylon medal. Silver, 49.3 mm, 61.1 mm with riveted silver post edge mount. MY-77, BBM-25. Choice About Uncirculated.

688.7 grains. A superb specimen, with lustrous reflective surfaces displaying attractive pastel blue and violet toning around the design elements. Only trivial hairlines, one tiny scrape at upper left of Farsi side. Struck from the later rusted (spalled) state of the dies, with more extensive die rust or spalling visible beneath I of ISLAND than on the earliest strikes.

In 1807, 121 silver specimens were struck at the Calcutta Mint for presentation to members of the Bengal Artillery who were present with Honourable East Indian Company forces at the taking of Ceylon from the Dutch in 1795 and 1796. The Farsi inscription matches the English found on the opposite side. Offered with a modern gold-colored braided cord.

Estimate: $400 - $800.

Provenance: From the Gem Collection.

Earlier from the Dr. Arthur B. King Collection; Stack's / Morton and Eden's sale of the King Collection, October 2003, lot 22.

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