Lot 35
1783 Libertas Americana medal. MS-60. A stunning example of this most famous medal made for America, Libertas Americana translates to "American Liberty". Designed by the American statesman Benjamin Franklin, with die work by the famed engraver Dupré and struck at the Paris Mint. On the obverse, Liberty is shown with her long tresses flowing in the wind, with her slaves cap extended high on a pole overhead, denoting her freedom from slavery (symbolizing America's freedom from George III of England). America had needed the assistance of France to defeat England during our Revolutionary War, and this medal was struck to commemorate this great event. America is symbolized by Hercules, the baby, strangling two serpents while the female warrior (France) fends off the British lion, whose embarrassment is noted by the placement of his tail between his legs.
The design was apparently copied by engravers and used for the 1793 Liberty Cap half cent and similar large cent and is of historic importance as such.
This particular medal was struck at least three times on the reverse, with slight shifting seen on the lettering and some other design elements. Now a splendid mahogany color, with a few minor handling marks on the delicate proof surfaces. Simply a superb piece of French and American history, well preserved and of immense importance to collectors.
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| Realized $2,185 |
