Please tell me this is not too good to be true...

coindeuce

Listed in the correct eBay category for what it may actually be(real).1779 Rhode Island Ship medal

STONE

I don't know, but you are looking good if its the real deal!!!

jonathanb

I dunno. I don't like the quality of the strike/surfaces, or the look of the rim/edge relative to the dots. Also, I see something along the bottom edge of the first picture (5:00 on the ship side) that might be lead peeking through the edge of a copper-plated electrotype.

Let us know how it looks when you have it in hand!

(It's not really in the correct eBay category, fwiw. It should have been listed with the Colonials in my opinion)

coindeuce

According to a third party who will share in the benefit of this one, it's a Betts 561

CaptHenway

I don't like it. Note down near the bottom of one pic where it looks as though the copper plating is flaking off, exposing a lead core.
TD

STONE

Elaborate to those less knowledgable, what's the "Betts 561"?

Does this make it legit? Is it one of the three types listed in the Red Book?

coindeuce

Betts 561 is the Wreath below ship variety as listed in the Red Book. The attribution was mentioned merely for accuracy. The disturbance noticed by jonathanb and CaptHenway may very well be just a rim bruise. Specimens known in brass, copper and pewter. The seller used the term bronze; the images offered appear to be well aged brass.