1781 (1783) Libertas Americana Medal. Original. Paris Mint. By Augustin Dupre. Adams-Bentley 15, Betts-615. Bronze. VF Details--Environmental Damage, Edge Filing (NGC). 47.7 mm. <strong>Obv:</strong> Bust of Liberty to left with flowing tresses and liberty pole with cap, the inscription LIBERTAS AMERICANA above and the date 4 JUIL. 1776 below in exergue. There is a small die break (as struck) on the rim below the digit 4 in the date, as found on all genuine first strikes of this issue. <strong>Rev:</strong> Standing Minerva in full battle dress with spear holds a French shield over the infant Hercules (America) who is gripping a serpent in each hand, the serpents representing the American victories at Saratoga in October 1777 (the field was won for the American army by Benedict Arnold, who was wounded in the leg while rallying the American forces, though credit for the victory was given to General Horatio Gates, who remained as far as possible from the actual field of battle) and at Yorktown in October 1781. Minerva fends off a leaping lioness (England), its tail between its legs, a heraldic symbol of defeat. The inscription NON SINE DIIS ANIMOSUS INFANS (the courageous child was aided by the gods) arcs above, the dates of the British surrender by General "Gentleman Johnny" Burgoyne at Saratoga on October 17, 1777, and the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown on October 19, 1781, are below in exergue.<p>There are few items on more want lists, or more cherished once acquired, than an original bronze Libertas Americana medal. Even low grade ones such as this enjoy strong collector demand in keeping with the historical significance of this issue. The surfaces are quite rough with numerous marks, a few pin scratches, and light to moderate bruises around the edge. Deeply and evenly toned in olive-copper with traces of lighter autumn brown here and there around the peripheries. Ranked number one in the <em>100 Greatest Medals and Tokens</em> book by a unanimous vote of those polled, if there was ever an American medal to include alongside the coins of the United States Mint, the Libertas Americana medal is the one. Its designs inspired the earliest Mint engravers, and Mint Director Elias Boudinot received a silver specimen in his position as president of the Continental Congress at the time of this medals production. The present example could certainly have been handled with more care, but it retains plenty of detail to allow full appreciation of this classic design type. It is a more affordable alternative that is sure to see spirited bidding in todays highly competitive market.
