1776 United States Diplomatic Medal. Modern Paris Mint Dies. Gold. No. 0231/1,776. Gem Proof Deep Cameo (PCGS).37 mm. 1 ounce. 999 fine. A captivating specimen, as struck and essentially flawless. Originally produced during the presidency of George Washington, this medal has seen at least three reincarnations. First made at the Paris Mint in 67 mm size, these huge gold medals were presented to foreign diplomats in honor of their services to the United States. As American minting technology advanced, it became possible for these medals to actually be struck in America, and the dies were dispatched from Paris to the Philadelphia Mint, but they promptly went missing and were never used to produce American-made examples. By the 1870s interest in medals was increasing in this country, and Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber was tasked with preparing new dies based on lead proofs of the originals. The name of the original French designer (Dupre) was retained, however Barber unobtrusively added his name and the date 1876 to the new dies. Medals (Julian CM-15) were then produced for collectors in bronze, and occasionally in silver for the next hundred years. Recently the Monnaie de Paris, the original minting place of these medals, was contacted to reproduce the United Stated Diplomatic Medal once again, in a smaller size, using the most modern of medal production techniques. The result is this impressive Brilliant Proof medal with an adaptation of the original design struck in gold to a total weight of two ounces. We have handled both 37 mm and 41 mm formats; this 37 mm medal is #0231 of 1,776 examples produced. Accompanied by the original case and Certificate of Authenticity from the Paris Mint.
