Copper. 41mm. 26.7 grams. A classic Canadian rarity that is seldom offered in any grade or metal. Your cataloguer offered the following commentary as part of lot 62 of the Michael Joffre Collection:

The Montreal Taken medal forms part of the series sponsored by the Society Promoting Arts and Commerce [SPAC] commemorating the British Victories during the Seven Years’ War. In fact, the fall of Montreal in September 1760 represented the culmination of the British offensive against the French and its ultimate conquest of Canada. Examples in exist in silver and copper.

The obverse features a male figure emblematic of the St. Lawrence River reclining to the right with his arm on the bow of a galley and a beaver approaching. He holds a paddle in his left hand. Above, AMHERST appears within a wreath surmounted by a lion. A tomahawk, axe, and a quiver representing the Indigenous peoples and the arms of France are seen in the exergue. There reverse shows a female figure seated right against a tree. Again, the arms of France and a tomahawk representing the Indigenous peoples of Canada are shows in the right field. An eagle stands on a rock behind.

Although that silver example in silver did not sell, the consignor considered it the highlight of his collection. This copper representative shows considerable high-point blending, as well as scattered marks and a few small rim nicks, all suggestive perhaps of use as a pocket piece or some such. Still, detail remains bold overall with all the legends fully readable. Both sides are smooth and partly glossy with attractive deep brown colour. An exciting opportunity.