1779 (1880-1901) Captain John Paul Jones / Bonhomme Richard vs. Serapis Medal. Paris Mint Restrike from Original Dies. Silver. 56 mm. Betts-568, Julian NA-1, Adams-Bentley 8. Specimen-63 (PCGS).Handsome pewter gray surfaces exhibit a fine grain sandblast finish, close inspection with a loupe revealing myriad tiny facets to the texture. Fully struck with impressive high relief to the design elements, especially Captain Jones portrait, this is a beautiful Choice example of a classic Comitia Americana medal. The Paris Mint restrikes of this type differ from the U.S. Mint versions in that they are signed on both sides by the sculptor and often have edge inscriptions which allow collectors to more closely date their specimens. The edge of this specimen is inscribed with a cornucopia and ARGENT (silver) just before 6 oclock relative to the obverse, indicating that this medal was produced between the years of 1880 and 1901. All silver impressions of this medal are highly collectable. This one was produced after the original dies had been sandblasted to remove defects.
