1779 Colonial Rhode Island Ship Pewter Medal PCGS MS-62 Wreath Below Ship

The 1779 Rhode Island Ship Medal in pewter is a fascinating relic of the Revolutionary War era, issued during one of the most turbulent periods in early American history. This is one of the NICEST we’ve ever seen or handled. Featuring the celebrated ship motif with the wreath positioned below, this rare colonial medal represents both patriotism and commerce in a young nation struggling for independence. Survivors in pewter are especially elusive, adding considerable historical importance to the issue.

PCGS has certified only 21 pewter examples of this medal, underscoring its scarcity. Among those, just 3 examples have been graded MS62, with only 2 finer. This places this offering within the upper tier of known certified specimens. The surfaces display the soft gray appearance often associated with carefully preserved pewter pieces, while the strike retains pleasing detail throughout the central design elements.

Colonial medals have long attracted specialists seeking artifacts directly connected to America’s formative years, and the Rhode Island Ship medals remain among the most recognizable of the series. Examples with Mint State preservation are seldom encountered, particularly in pewter, making this certified MS62 specimen a desirable representative of an important and historic colonial issue.