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Sale 65
Lot 459
(1782) Libertas Americana Medal in Bronze Betts-615 NGC graded Unc Details, Environmental Damage. Glossy light chocolate brown. The strike is deep and bold and there is no trace of friction on even the highest points of the design. Unfortunately there is a swipe of very shallow verdigris or other darker olive brown crud near the edge from K-7 to K-9 on the obverse and from the upper half of Minerva across into the field above the lion on the reverse. The remainder of the planchet is smooth and choice offering excellent eye appeal. This medal has significant importance for the United States and it is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful medals ever produced. The capped Liberty design became the model for our early Federal coppers, including the half cents of 1793-1797 and large cents of 1793-1796. The reverse designs represent how our struggle for freedom was assisted by France. Minerva holding a sword and shield adorned with three fleur-de-lis represents France, the lion represents Great Britain attempting to pounce on the infant, and the infant represents the fledgling United States. Examples were struck in silver, bronze, white metal, and possibly in gold. Although 200 examples were reportedly struck in bronze, less than 40 originals are known to exist today and even fewer are known in silver. The dies were engraved in 1782 by Augustin Dupre with significant design input from Benjamin Franklin, and the medals were struck in Paris for presentation to highly placed French officials and other dignitaries. Franklin is reported to have presented several of these medals in person to thank the French for their assistance in defeating the British and securing freedom for America. We can only guess who may have been presented the specimen offered here. Weight 51 grams; diameter 47.7 millimeters. Housed in a special oversize NGC slab.
Estimated Value $3,000-UP.
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| Realized $7,188 |
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