Lot 1
1781(1783) Libertas Americana Medal in Bronze Betts-615. EF-40. Weight 802.0 grains; diameter 47.8 millimeters. Attractive glossy medium chocolate brown. The surfaces are smooth, void of any hint of corrosion or verdigris. Minor contact marks can be found on both sides, none distracting and all consistent with the grade. Good identifying marks are a light rim bruise over SINE and a small, dull nick on the rim under the 19 at the bottom of the reverse. These medals were commissioned by Benjamin Franklin as a tribute to American independence and were struck in Paris, France, in 1783 (a few in silver and more in bronze). He distributed them to government dignitaries, including members of the Continental Congress. The exact number of medals struck is unknown, but Franklin's intent was to distribute a medal to every member of Congress in addition to other highly placed government officials on both sides of the Atlantic. Dave Bowers estimates the number of surviving bronze medals is between 100 and 125 today. The classic beauty of this famous Liberty Cap design by Augustin Dupre (perhaps with guidance from Franklin himself) is well represented by the lightly circulated example offered here. It has been widely conjectured that the Liberty Cap design used on our first half cents was inspired by the obverse design of the Libertas Americana medal. The similarities are too obvious to ignore, and the argument inspired Ray Rouse to add one of these medals to his half cent collection. But see the following lot for an alternate opinion.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
Ex Don Valenziano 11/89.
|
| |
| Realized $6,900 |
