1786 (1845-1860) Benj. Franklin Natus Boston Medal. Original Dies. Paris Mint Restrike. By Augustin Dupre. Adams-Bentley 14, Betts-620, Greenslet GM-34. Bronze. MS-63 BN (NGC). 46 mm. Edge marked (pointing hand) CUIVRE. The Franklin Natus Boston obverse was first mated with a winged Genius reverse (Betts-619), which failed early and was replaced with the reverse seen here. Though little known when first produced as a personal medal by Dupre, the medal became increasingly popular after Franklins death, going through a series of restrikings from the original dies at the Paris mint. The edge marking on this piece indicates manufacture between 1845 and 1860. A handsome, richly original example dressed in deep autumn and reddish-brown patina. The surfaces are satiny to semi-reflective in finish with only minor obverse carbon spots precluding a higher numeric grade.
