(1762) Bronze Medal Betts-545, Franklin Uniface

Coin Details

Auction Record

$4,560 MS62 04-03-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

This circa 1762 bronze medal (Betts-545) is a uniface portrait of Benjamin Franklin, meaning it bears a design on one side only. Franklin was already famous in Europe by the 1760s for his scientific experiments with electricity and his diplomatic missions on behalf of the Pennsylvania Assembly. Uniface medals were sometimes produced as trial strikes, presentation pieces, or artistic studies of a particular portrait or design element. The circa 1762 date places this medal during Franklin's second mission to London (1757-1762), where he was lobbying against the proprietary government of Pennsylvania. The tradition of striking commemorative medals for New World events began with Spanish and Portuguese pieces in the sixteenth century, expanded through Dutch and French production in the seventeenth, and reached its peak with British issues during the colonial wars. Franklin's image appeared on numerous European medals throughout the eighteenth century, reflecting his status as the most internationally recognized American of his era.

Rarity Notes

Circa 1762 bronze uniface. Single-sided format indicates trial or presentation piece. Rare.

Cross References

Betts-545; Benjamin Franklin uniface; Franklin in Europe 1760s