(1776) Medal J-CM-15, Original Dies, Paris Mint U.S. Diplomatic Medal Bronze

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,880 MS67BN 08-24-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

This bronze medal, cataloged as J-CM-15, was struck from original dies at the Paris Mint and depicts the 1776 U.S. Diplomatic Medal design. The Diplomatic Medal was one of the earliest American numismatic productions, conceived during the Revolutionary period when the fledgling United States needed formal presentation pieces for foreign dignitaries. The "AE" designation confirms the bronze composition, and the Paris Mint attribution indicates this was produced at the Monnaie de Paris, where many early American medals were struck because the United States did not yet have its own mint. The J-CM-15 catalog number places this within the Julian Commemorative Medal series. The original dies designation distinguishes this from later restrikes and copies, adding significantly to its numismatic value. Early American diplomatic medals represent the intersection of numismatic art and foreign policy, serving as tangible symbols of the new nation's sovereignty and diplomatic ambitions during the critical years of the republic's establishment.

Rarity Notes

J-CM-15, original dies, Paris Mint production. Bronze (AE). Among the earliest American medallic productions. Scarce original die strikings.

Cross References

PCGS #838657; Julian CM-15; U.S. Diplomatic Medal, Original Dies, Paris Mint; 1776