1783 Treaty of Paris Medal. By Pierre Simon DuVivier. Betts-612. Silver. Plain Edge. AU-58 (NGC). 41.5 mm. Handsome, fully original surfaces in dominant pewter gray. Blushes of steel-blue are also seen on both sides, as are flashes of vivid antique gold and cobalt blue undertones. Much of the original finish remains, and there are no significant marks or other blemishes. Neither Ford nor LaRiviere had a silver Betts-612 this nice: both had one silver specimen, and each of them was graded Very Fine, showing significant wear. The only finer example of which we are aware is the Choice Mint State Ted L. Craige-John W. Adams specimen that realized $5,875 in our November 2015 Baltimore Auction (lot 23087). Given the number of years that have passed since that sale, this significant Choice AU should fetch a similar price. As the official French medal struck to mark the Treaty of Paris ending the American Revolutionary War, this Betts number has special significance and importance. Ex Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society; Heritages June 2016 Long Beach Tokens & Medals Signature Auction, lot 98016.
