1779 (post-1863) Captain John Paul Jones / Bonhomme Richard vs. Serapis Naval Medal. U.S. Mint Copy Dies. Betts-568, Julian NA-1, Adams-Bentley 8. Silver. MS-62 (PCGS).57.2 mm. 109.4 grams. Plain edge. Struck from the Philadelphia Mint copy dies made after 1863, identifiable by the omission of the engravers name that appears on both sides of the Paris Mint originals. All Philadelphia silver strikes are uncommon, though dating them to the actual time of striking in difficult; PCGS dates this one to 1875-1904. It shows cabinet friction on the high points of the bust, minor spots in the right obverse and upper right reverse field areas. Handsome pewter gray patina with warmer olive highlights at the borders and engaging some of the design elements.From our Philadelphia Americana Sale of September 2011, lot 135.
