1776 (1783) Libertas Americana Medal. Betts-615. Bronze, 48 mm. MS-63 BN (PCGS). 782.9 grains. A superbly attractive and original example of this historic American classic. Frosty medium brown surfaces retain an exceptional degree of glossy luster. Both sides are even in color with highly attractive surfaces, free of all but trivial marks. The iconic designs by Augustin Dupre are showcased with excellent detail on obverse and reverse. Some old verdigris in protected areas does nothing to impact the eye appeal, instead, serving to underscore this pieces old-time originality. Two strikes were required to bring up the relief, resulting in a slightly double struck appearance among the peripheral obverse legends. A thin scratch in front of Libertys lips is the only consequential obverse mark, though scrutiny will find an old spot between the tops of ME of AMERICANA. On the reverse, a dull mark is seen in the field above the head of the lioness.<p><p>There is no more famous or widely desired medal in the American numismatic canon than the legendary Libertas Americana medal. Silver examples are very rare, but copper ones are more easily obtainable. It is well known that Benjamin Franklin preferred Dupres majestic design in copper. "The Impression in Copper is thought to appear best," Franklin wrote to Robert Livingston on April 15, 1783, though one wonders if he might have written something different if the piece he enclosed for Livingston was silver. Copper specimens like this one were sent to the members of Congress and other functionaries close to the government; it seems likely that more copper pieces were distributed in the United States than in France.<p><p>Cognizant of the historic moment they occupied, and appreciative of Franklins largesse, it seems that most recipients of a Libertas Americana medal cherished it. The bulk of the mintage seems to have survived. Of course, to an 18th century non-numismatist, cherishing something meant handling it, displaying it, perhaps cleaning it now and again, thus few survive in Gem condition. The total population - perhaps 200 or so - is heavily weighted toward those with some handling. Not one in ten is as nice as this. From the Richard Margolis Collection. Earlier from Fox Valley Coin Exchanges Mail Bid Sale (TAMS Journal, October 1976), lot 716.
