1782 Dutch-American Treaty of Commerce Medal. Betts-606. Silver, 32 mm. AU-58 (PCGS). 190.5 grains. A very popular piece, featuring the first appearance of an American flag on a medal. The dies by J. Van Baerll show America standing at left offering an olive branch to the Netherlands, seated at right with a liberty cap and pole behind. The obverse legend is from the Aeneid, the reverse is a rhyming quatrain commemorating the new Dutch-American friendship. When encountered, this medal is usually found in grades lower than those encountered on Holtzheys medals of this era, which suggests the primary audience for this medal was people without medal cabinets at home. This one is nicer than many, with attractive deep olive gray toning that is lighter at the centers and richest at the periphery. Some blue, gold and deep green blend in melodiously, and only minor hairlines are noted as a trivial defect. The reverse color is particularly varied and attractive, but both sides are very pleasing. From the Richard Margolis Collection. Earlier from the Eugene Leipman Collection; Fritz Weber, at the INS Convention in Washington DC, September 1980.
