543

Lovely 1781 LIBERTAS AMERICANA Medal, Struck in Bronze. Betts-615

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:7,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Lovely 1781 LIBERTAS AMERICANA Medal, Struck in Bronze. Betts-615
Medals
1781 LIBERTAS AMERICANA Medal Struck In Bronze “The Top 100 Greatest American Medals and Tokens” # 1
1781-Dated (Struck c. 1782). Libertas Americana Medal. Struck in Bronze. Betts-615. About Uncirculated.
48mm. This “Classic” Revolutionary War Period historic medal is one of the finer quality specimens we have offered. America's most famous and important historic medal, it was chosen to have the Number “One” Ranking as listed within the reference book, “The Top 100 Greatest American Medals and Tokens.” This important medal was struck by the order and powerful influence of none other than Benjamin Franklin in 1783. It being designed and executed by France's premier sculptor of that era, Augustin Dupree. This important medal is believed to be the prototype for our own “Liberty Cap” copper coins, which were first produced by the United States Mint at Philadelphia in 1793.

The lovely, natural rich chestnut-brown color provides ample eye appeal. The surfaces are attractive, glossy smooth and hard with some light hairlines and a couple of light scattered unobtrusive pinscratches within the fields. The strike is full and superbly rendered, displaying excellent detail. This beautiful specimen is highly desirable for its type, and remains relatively affordable for collectors. As such, no other historic early medal is in more popular today or in greater demand. This important Libertas Americana medal suitable for any high quality oriented collection. In our EAHA sale of October 21, 2006 we sold an NGC graded AU-55 for $11,210 and in our August 26, 2006 auction we sold an NGC graded MS-63 specimen for $28,320.

The Libertas Americana medal has the great honor of being brought forth by Benjamin Franklin, one of America's Founding Fathers. It proved an instant inspiration for some our most popular, historic and beautiful first official United States coinage designs. This impressive present example should see spirited interest.