1776 United States Diplomatic Medal. Modern Paris Mint Dies. Gold. 41 mm. 2 ounces. 999 fine. Gem Proof Deep Cameo (PCGS).This is a virtually flawless Superb Gem, as struck, with vivid golden-yellow patina, strong field to device contrast, and silky smooth surfaces. Originally produced during the presidency of George Washington, this medal has experienced at least three reincarnations. First made at the Paris Mint in 67 mm size, these huge gold medals were presented to foreign diplomats in honor of their services to the United States. As American minting technology advanced, it became possible for these medals to be struck in America, and the dies were dispatched from Paris to the Philadelphia Mint. However, they promptly went missing and were never used to produce American-made examples of this medal. By the 1870s interest in medals was increasing in this country, and Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber was tasked with preparing new dies based on lead proofs of the original medals. The name of the original French designer (Dupre) was retained, however Barber unobtrusively added his name and the date 1876 to the new dies. Medals (Julian CM-15) were then produced for collectors in bronze, and occasionally in silver for the next hundred years. Recently the Monnaie de Paris, the original minting place of these medals, was contacted to reproduce the United Stated Diplomatic Medal once again, in a smaller size, using the most modern of medal production techniques. The result is this impressive Brilliant Proof medal with an adaptation of the original design struck in gold with a total weight of two ounces. Now 41 mm size, encapsulated and graded by PCGS, this medal is again available to collectors.<p>This medal is #009 of 1,776 examples produced in this format. Accompanied by a photocopy of the Certificate of Authenticity.