1783 Peace of Paris Medal. Copper. 41.8 mm. By DuVivier. Betts-612. Mint State. Medium mahogany semi-reflective surfaces with traces of original red copper luster evident at some viewing angles. Fully struck, except for some softness on the highest lock of the kings hair. Some contact marks, particularly in the reverse fields, and a few trivial edge nicks.This medal commemorates the 1783 Treaty of Paris from the official French perspective. A gold example is known, in the collection of the Bibliotheque Nationale, and presumably a gift for either King Louis XVI or Queen Marie Antoinette. Designed by DuVivier, the reverse motif is particularly interesting with Peace standing on a galley, referring to the primarily naval struggle between Britain and France during the American Revolution. Indeed, without the presence of the French fleet under Admiral Francois Joseph Paul, Comte de Grasse off the Virginia Capes in September 1781, the American victory over Cornwallis at Yorktown would not have been possible. A lovely copper specimen of this historic medal in a superior state of preservation. From our (Stacks) Americana Sale of January 2002, lot 291. Lot tag and collector tag with attribution and provenance notes included.
