Description
Studies in Medallic Art 5
by Christopher R. McDowell
This book is the first volume of a planned three-volume set. It brings to fruition Charles Wyllys Betts’ dream of illustrating American colonial history through contemporary medals. Volume I includes Betts-1 to 170, the Period of Discovery through the Period of Colonization of the New World. Images and prices realized are provided for every Betts medal in existence. In addition, the history of each medal is told, helping to explain their design and importance.
“In his second full-length monograph, Christopher McDowell provides the most comprehensive resource on the subject of “Betts medals.” In Chris’ own words, this book is not meant to replace the Betts book, but to be read alongside it. This book provides much-needed and up-to-date context to Betts’ work, ranging from U.S., North American, and world history to the evolution of American numismatics and, of course, about the medals themselves. Perhaps most striking about the updated understanding of this material is that some of the medals in the Betts book never even existed. Without McDowell’s meticulous research, future generations of numismatists would still be searching for them. For McDowell, this truly is a labor of love.”
—Jesse Kraft, Ph.D.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christopher R. McDowell is a lifelong numismatist and recognized expert in the area of colonial coinage and medals. He is the author of Abel Buell and the History of the Connecticut and Fugio Coinages (C4, 2015), along with several award-winning articles on American colonial coins and medals. An ANS Fellow, Chris is also the editor of the prestigious Journal of Early American Numismatics. This current work grew from Chris’ interest in Charles Wyllys Betts and American colonial history and medals. A graduate of Marshall University and West Virginia University College of Law, Chris served as an officer in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps and was stationed in Korea, Germany, Bosnia, and Kansas. He currently practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he lives with his wife Annah and three children, Jack, Danny, and Maggie.
AWARDS
Winner, 2023 Numismatic Literary Guild, Best Specialized Book on Tokens and Medals
3rd place, 2023 International Association of Professional Numismatists (IAPN) book competition
ISBN: 978-0-89722-389-8
Hardcover, xxii + 324 pp., 8.5″ x 11″, full-color illustrations throughout
ANS Members: $87.50 +s/h. Non-Members: $125 +s/h. Apply Member discount code during checkout.
