Rhode Island Ship Medals – 1778 – 1779

The Four Varieties of 1778-1779 Rhode Island Ship Medals

This is a very interesting medal that was struck during the Revolutionary War. In 1779, Spain joined France in supporting the American Colonists against the British. It is believed that these medals were intended by the British to impress the Dutch. Britain wanted the Dutch to join the war on their side to defeat Spain, France and the colonists. Since the Dutch had early colonial successes in America, Britain felt that they might “share” portions of America with the Dutch.

The medal commemorated the victory of Admiral Lord Richard Howe over American colonists in Rhode Island. During the summer of 1778, the American Major General John Sullivan commanded 10,000 Continental troops and tried to wrest Newport, Rhode Island, from British control. The Americans were being supported by 4,000 French troops. Admiral Howe easily defeated the French fleet and troops and headed his fleet and army toward the American forces. The Americans were unprepared for this action and were forced to flee from Rhode Island and abandon their plans of attack.   

The obverse of the medal depicts Admiral Howe’s flagship sailing to the right. Around the periphery are the Dutch words, “DE ADMIRAALS FLAG VAN ADMIRAAL HOWE 1779.” This translates to “THE FLAGSHIP OF ADMIRAL HOWE 1779.”

The reverse of the medal depicts three British warships heading towards Conanicut Island where the Continental troops were. The outline of the island is covered with depictions of colonial troops fleeing to the right side of the Island where numerous small boats are waiting to rescue them. Inscribed on the reverse periphery is the Dutch phrase, “D VLUGTENDE AMERICAANER VON ROHDE YLAND AUG 1778.” Translated it means “THE FLEEING AMERICANS LEAVING RHOS ISLAND AUG. 1778.” The word “VLUGTENDE” was inadvertently placed under the ship on some early versions of the token, which would have meant that Admiral Howe was fleeing the Americans. It was quickly corrected but the few that bear that mis-inscription are valuable.

There are four major varieties of this medal. Most of the medals were made of brass but there are a few examples known in pewter. These Rhode Island Ship medals are quite often found in England in circulated conditions indicating that they were used in commerce. But there is only anecdotal evidence that the medals actually circulated in the Colonies.

Expand your collection today and find a 1778-1779 Rhode Island Ship Token Colonial MS-63 CAC PCGS.