1776 (post-1807) Franklin American Beaver Medal. Betts-546, Julian CM-8, Greenslet GM-80. Bronzed Copper. Specimen-66 BN (PCGS). A superb example of one of the most popular early U.S. Mint medals, depicting the beloved Dr. Franklin on the obverse with a Continental Currency-inspired beaver and the date 1776 on the reverse. Nicely bronzed with some mottling and a patch of golden patina near the marsh reeds of the lower right reverse. Very sharp and free of significant flaws, with just a single tiny rim nick at the base of the reverse. Listed in Betts by virtue of its 1776 date, these dies are actually from about 1807. The Philadelphia Mint continued to produce examples from the original dies through most of the 19th century, but few survived in this kind of grade. The absence of a reverse rim break below 9 oclock places this as a slightly earlier strike than many. PCGS Population: 1, none finer. From the Cardinal Collection Educational Foundation. Earlier from Heritages sale of August 2014, lot 5051.
