1781 (1783) Libertas Americana Medal. Original. By Augustin Dupre. Betts-615. Bronze. AU Details--Tooled (NGC).47 mm. Exceptionally attractive for the assigned grade, this is a more than suitable example a classic American medal. Dominant medium brown patina blankets both sides, the obverse with marbling of autumn-brown and olive-gray. A few streaks of the latter color also enhance the field area on the reverse, blushes of the same outlining the design elements. Striking detail remains overall full, a touch of rub to the highest point in the center of the obverse largely responsible for the AU grade assigned by NGC. The stated qualifier concerns concentrations if wispy pin scratches in the fields on both sides, a dull mark on the reverse before Minervas head also mentioned for accuracy. The die state is advanced here with the obverse break beneath 4 reaching its fullest extent. While the spalling pit beneath the second A of AMERICANA is a bit larger here than on earlier strikes, the spalling trail in the lower right obverse remains fairly stable over the course of the die state continuum.<p>There is almost nothing we can say about the Libertas Americana medal that has not been said before. It is the most recognizable early American medal, the unanimous choice as #1 in the <em>100 Greatest Medals and Tokens</em> book, and the inspiration for many of the United States coinage designs of the 18th century. It is legendary beyond its rarity, historic beyond its celebrated creation narrative, and important far beyond the world of numismatics.<p><p><p>Cognizant of the historic moment they occupied, and appreciative of Franklins largesse, it seems that most recipients of a Libertas Americana medal cherished it. The bulk of the mintage seems to have survived. Of course, to an 18th century non-numismatist, cherishing something meant handling it, displaying it, perhaps cleaning it now and again, thus few survive in Gem condition. The total population - perhaps 200 or so - is heavily weighted toward those with some handling, as here.
