1776 Gold Libertas Americana Medal - 2000 Restrike

Coin Details

Auction Record

$4,200 PR69DCAM 06-17-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

A gold restrike of the celebrated Libertas Americana medal, produced in 2000 by the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint). The original medal was designed by Augustin Dupre in 1783 at the behest of Benjamin Franklin, then American Minister to France, to commemorate the American victory in the Revolutionary War. The obverse depicts Liberty in profile with flowing hair and a liberty pole, with the date "4 JUIL 1776" (July 4, 1776) and the legend LIBERTAS AMERICANA. The reverse presents a powerful allegorical scene: the infant Hercules (representing the young American nation) strangling two serpents while defended by Minerva with her shield (representing France) against a charging British lion. The dates of the battles of Saratoga (17 OCT 1777) and Yorktown (19 OCT 1781) appear beneath. Original gold Libertas Americana medals from the 1780s were reserved for the most important diplomatic presentations — to the French King and select dignitaries. They are among the most valuable American-related medals in existence, with a single example selling for $4.4 million in 2021. The 2000 Monnaie de Paris gold restrike makes this iconic design accessible in precious metal. The Libertas Americana medal is widely considered one of the most beautiful and historically significant medals in American numismatics. Dupre's Liberty portrait influenced early American coinage, particularly the Flowing Hair designs of the 1790s.

Rarity Notes

Rare among restrikes. Gold versions are produced in very limited quantities and carry substantial precious-metal value.

Cross References

Betts-615 (original); Monnaie de Paris 2000 gold restrike; Original gold: $4.4M (2021 Heritage)