(1776) Medal Baker-47B Brz. Original Washington Before Boston

Coin Details

Auction Record

$43,200 MS63BN 11-30-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

An original bronze striking of the Washington Before Boston medal, the first in the celebrated Comitia Americana series authorized by the Continental Congress on March 25, 1776 to honor George Washington for forcing the British evacuation of Boston. Designed by Pierre-Simon-Benjamin Duvivier and engraved at the Paris Mint under Benjamin Franklin's supervision. The obverse presents a uniformed bust of Washington facing right with the legend GEORGIO WASHINGTON SVPREMO DVCI EXERCITVVM ADSERTORI LIBERTATIS and the date COMITIA AMERICANA in the exergue. The reverse depicts Washington on horseback with his officers observing the British fleet retreating from Boston Harbor, with the legend HOSTIBVS PRIMO FVGATIS and BOSTONIUM RECVPERATVM XVII MARTII MDCCLXXVI in the exergue. Baker-47B designates the bronze composition original striking, distinguishing it from the silver and gold presentation pieces. The Paris Mint produced these originals circa 1786-1790 from Duvivier's dies, making them among the earliest medals to honor an American military leader. Bronze, approximately 68mm diameter.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Original Paris Mint strikings are highly sought after and seldom appear at auction. Most survivors show evidence of handling consistent with period distribution.

Cross References

Baker-47B; Musante GW-09-M1; Betts-542; Julian MI-1; Loubat-6; Fuld FR.MI.ME.001