French and Indian War

Triton XIX, Lot: 838. Estimate $750. Sold for $1400. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

LOW COUNTRIES, Republiek der Zeven Verenigde Nederlanden (Dutch Republic). 1581-1795. AR Medal (44mm, 12h). Hope for Peace in Europe – Anticipating the Treaty of Paris (1763). By G. Holtzhey. Dated 1762 in Roman numerals. EVROPAE ALMAM NE TARDET PACEM (lest the nourishing peace of Europe slow), Native American standing right, holding bow and quiver, and supporting Cupid placing figure of Peace upon a column surmounted by imperial eagle; shields of France and Great Britain below; MDCCLXII in exergue / DVRET VSQVE AD EXTREMVM (that it may endure to the end of time), Mercury seated facing slightly left upon Leo Belgicus, leaning upon bales and supporting staff surmounted by phrygian cap and bundle of rods; ship at sea in background; BELG FOED (the Belgic federation) in exergue. Eimer 702; BHM –; Betts 442; Schulman, Pax, 589. In NGC encapsulation graded MS 62. Toned. Rare.

A global military conflict between 1756 and 1763, the Seven Years’ War (known in North America as the French and Indian War) involved most of the great powers of the time, and affected Europe, Central America, the western coast of Africa, India, the Philippines, and the aforementioned colonial America.

In North America, specifically, the conflict centered around the expulsion of Great Britain’s Bourbon rivals in the contested overseas territories, whereupon she gained a great deal of New France, Spanish Florida, and some of the Caribbean islands. The ensuing battles focused upon the borders separating these territories, especially with New France. The name for the conflict emanates from the two major British adversaries in this theater: France and the Native American tribes within the region, who joined with the French. The outcome in North America resulted in lands gains by the British, which confirmed Britain’s position as the dominant colonial power in the eastern half of the continent.