(1776) Medal FH-635 Yellow Brass U.S. Diplomatic Medal-Restrike

Coin Details

Auction Record

$216 SP67 08-31-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

This yellow brass restrike of the United States Diplomatic Medal is cataloged as Fuld-Higby 635. The original Diplomatic Medal was authorized by the Continental Congress in 1776 as a gift for foreign ministers and dignitaries, making it one of the earliest official medals of the fledgling American republic. The design, attributed to Augustin Dupre, the celebrated French engraver who also created the Libertas Americana medal, features allegorical imagery celebrating American independence and the new nation's aspirations for international recognition. The Diplomatic Medal holds a distinguished place in early American numismatics as one of the foundational pieces of the nation's medallic heritage, preceding even the establishment of the United States Mint. This yellow brass restrike was produced from later die states to supply collector demand, with the brass composition distinguishing it from the original gold, silver, and bronze presentation pieces. The FH-635 catalog designation in the Fuld-Higby reference of United States military and governmental medals identifies this as part of the diplomatic and ceremonial medal series rather than the combat-related Congressional medal group.

Rarity Notes

Yellow brass restrike of the 1776 Diplomatic Medal. Restrikes are more available than original strikings but remain desirable as representatives of one of the earliest American official medals.

Cross References

PCGS #525148; Fuld-Higby 635; Julian CM-15