1779 Captain John Paul Jones / Bonhomme Richard vs. Serapis Medal. Paris Mint Restrike from Original Dies. Bronze. 56 mm. Betts-568, Julian NA-1, Adams-Bentley 8. Specimen-62 (PCGS).A generally autumn-orange example that is retoning nicely in iridescent rose-brown. Wispy hairlines and a somewhat bright appearance point to an old, light cleaning, although the eye appeal of this impressive medal remains strong. The edge is marked with BRONZE and an indistinguishable privy mark, making it impossible for us to assign a striking period. The dies, however, are in their pre-sandblasted state with minor defects still present, suggesting that this piece was struck prior to 1880.
