France. 1792 Lyon Convention Medal. By Galle. Maz-318. Bell Metal. MS-64 (NGC). 39 mm. <strong>Obv:</strong> A left facing head of Liberty with cap-topped pole serves as the focal device with the inscription LIBERTE FRANCOISE above, the inscription LAN L . DE LA . R . F . below, and the "signature" GALLE along the truncation of the bust. <strong>Rev:</strong> Multi-line inscription within an encircling wreath. Both sides exhibit deep steely-charcoal patina with a tinge of olive, the surfaces generally smooth in appearance and boldly defined throughout. Accuracy alone compels us to mention several tiny planchet pits (as made), since they are easily overlooked in hand. A popular medal with American collectors, the obverse design is similar to that used on the famous Libertas Americana medal, which in turn inspired the Liberty Cap coinage of the early U.S. Mint. Examples of this type were struck from metal taken from a bell rung in 1792, the first year of the new French Republic. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.
