Medal Commemorating the Attempted Capture of Cartagena de Indias

The Spanish victory at Cartagena de Indias, led by Admiral Blas de Lezo, was one of the biggest setbacks experienced by the British Navy. It took place in the context of the War of Jenkins' Ear, which pitted Great Britain against the Spanish Empire between 1739 and 1748 over territories in the Caribbean.

What is remarkable about these medals is that they were struck too early, on the assumption that the English would be victorious. That is why Lezo is shown surrendering to Vernon.

On the obverse is the British Admiral with a staff of office, while Blas de Lezo kneels before him and hands him a sword. Above him is an identifying inscription that reads: "DON/BLASS." Blas de Lezo is not depicted on these medals with his deformed leg, so as not to downplay the English victory (which never materialized). The image is encircled by the inscription "THE . SPANISH . PRIDE . PULLD . DOWN . BY . ADMIRAL . VERNON.'' The decorative edging is dotted and incomplete.

The back of the medal shows the city of Portobello and its fortifications, with 6 vessels entering the bay and a ship anchored in the port. The image is encircled by the inscription "WHO . TOOK . PORTO . BELLO. WITH . SIX . SHIPS . ONLY." The decorative edging is dotted and incomplete.

The image of the victory at Portobello was reproduced on the back of many of these medals.