Watch List notes:

USA, Colonials. Libertas Americana original medal, 1781, copper, weight 46,40 g., diameter 47,5mm, ref. dated Betts - 615 AE striked, plain edge without mark ("tranche lisse sans poincon"). . . Obv. LIBERTAS. AMERICANA., head of Liberty left, with flowing hair, staff and Phrygian cap behind, in ex. 4 JUIL. 1776, rev. Minerva representing France and holding a shield with the French Royal "fleur de lys", defending the infant Hercules representing the American Nation, holding a serpent in each hand, from the British Lion, legend NON SINE DIIS ANIMOSUS INFANS, in ex. 17/19 OCT. 1777 / 1781. . . Extremely rare; although no supportive document could be found as of today, this medal may have been struck with a mintage of only 115 in copper; thus a low hundred is believed to be known. . . . . Collectors look for this iconic original copper medal as an important numismatic representation of American history in the making. Benjamin Franklin commissionned this medal to the Paris Mint to celebrate the Peace Treaty between Great Britain and the young United States while honoring as well the Franco-American friendship. He closely worked with the famous French engraver Augustin DuprÈ to design it, and this model served as well to inspire a few of the U.S. patterns 1792 coinage and the first U.S. 1/2 Cents issued in 1793.. An extremely rare opportunity to acquire such a splendid exemplary in high grade and with a gorgeous striking brown patina !. . . Extremely Fine, almost MS ,with only a small dot under the bust and a die crack under the 4th of the date. IExtremely rare in this condition.. . . compare last similar auction result : Heritage 2016 ANA US Coins Signature Auction (lot 3940) sold for $18,800.. . NGC MS62 BN, Extremely Fine almost MS, with only a small dot under the bust and a die crack under the 4th of the date. . Very rare in this condition NGC MS62 BN .



(8500 - 10500 USD)