1783 Peace of Versailles Medal. White Metal, with Copper Plug. 45 mm. By J.L. Oexlein. Betts-608. MS-63 (PCGS).Gorgeous bright silver gray surfaces are smooth and inviting, both sides free of tin pest, and also free of all but wispy handling marks that are easily overlooked. Semi-prooflike in finish, modestly reflective fields support sharply defined, softly frosted design elements. The copper scavenger is located above the Roman numerals CL on the obverse. Paradoxically called the "French Libertas Americana," this medal was in fact struck in Nuremberg, Germany, while the "American" Libertas Americana was struck in France. Examples of this type were undoubtedly intended for a European audience following the peace treaty, as the symbols of the European combatants (Great Britain, France, Spain and The Netherlands) are all present in the shields above the Gorgon shield, symbolizing war, on the reverse. The imagery of the obverse, depicting Frances King Louis XVI gesturing to a hat-topped pillar that displays a 13-striped shield, is a clear reference to Americas newly won independence.
