1779 (pre-1842) Captain John Paul Jones / Bonhomme Richard vs. Serapis Naval Medal. Original. Paris Mint. Betts-568, Adams-Bentley 8. Bronze. MS-63+ BN (PCGS).56.6 mm. 88.6 grains. Plain edge. Lustrous, soft satin surfaces exhibit warm medium brown patina on the obverse. The reverse is a bit bright to preclude an MS-64 or higher grade, but there is appreciable mellowing to golden-brown and light gray on dominant pinkish-orange color. A few trivial spots in the obverse field around the portrait are also noted, although they are ancient, not overly distracting, and well in keeping with the assigned grade. Exquisitely defined in crisp high relief on both sides. No marks assail the eye, and close inspection with a loupe is required to discern a few trivial hairlines in isolated areas. Advanced specialists in the Comitia Americana series will take note of the overall quality of this piece, as most copper originals have seen a significant amount of handling. This is the second finest certified example that we have had the privilege of offering, behind the Margolis specimen in PCGS MS-64 BN that realized $8,400 in our Spring 2025 Showcase Auction.<p>John Paul Jones medals like this one have gotten oddly inexpensive in recent years. A decade or more ago, nice examples like this regularly brought in the $7,000 to $9,000 range. With increased interest in the Comitia Americana series, one would think the value of all original Jones medals would have held up, bot just spectacular ones like the Margolis piece; most other originals in this series have advanced in price significantly. The Jones medal may be dragged down by the preponderance of post-1842 Paris Mint restrikes. Originals remain elusive, and weve sold only five examples since our November 2019 John W. Adams Comitia Americana sale. With dies by Augustin Dupre, and standing as the only naval medal in the Comitia Americana series, this medal has all the elements of a superstar issue that should see widespread demand.
