1776 (post-1807) Franklin American Beaver Medal. Betts-546, Julian CM-8, Greenslet GM-80. Bronze. MS-63 (PCGS).41 mm. A handsome example of one of the most popular early U.S. Mint medals, depicting the beloved Dr. Franklin on the obverse with a Continental Currency-inspired beaver and the date 1776 on the reverse. The obverse exhibits rich colors of golden-brown and olive-copper, the reverse is dressed in more even copper-brown. There is just a trace of rub to the high points of Franklins portrait, as typically seen for the type. Sharp otherwise with no mentionable blemishes apart from a faint fingerprint in the upper left obverse field. Listed in Betts by virtue of its 1776 date, these dies are actually from about 1807. The Philadelphia Mint continued to produce examples from the original dies through most of the 19th century.Ex NASCAs Kessler-Spangenberger Sale, April 1981, lot 1950; Gilbert G. Steinberg. Lot tag and NASCA purchase invoice included.
