2018-01-20 Sat

When the fight for American Independence was in full swing in North America, Britain’s opponents – France and Spain tried to take over Gibraltar islands through a sea attack. However, they weren’t successful as the British defended the islands. This event was celebrated by issuing a medal in 1783. One of them is going to be offered by Fritz Rudolph Künker on 1st February during the World Money Fair in Berlin for an estimated value of €2,000. The very rare 31.45 grams silver coin is graded About Uncirculated and features a beautiful patina. The obverse features commander of the fortress, Gen. George August Elliott Lord Heathfield in uniform. The reverse depicts the attack of Gibraltar by many ships.

Prince George of Hesse-Darmstadt had captured the Spanish fortress of Gibraltar at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. Gibraltar became a part of Great Britain In the peace of Utrecht in 1717. Spain kept trying to capture the fort time and again. The last time they did so was from 1779 to 1782. The city was almost destroyed completely but the fort was not affected. Even after several reinforcements of the Spanish army, they were not able to capture the fort. The siege ended in October 1782 and Gibraltar officially became a part of England in 1783.