(1776) Silver Libertas Americana Medal - 2000 Restrike

Coin Details

Auction Record

$384 MS64 04-12-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

A silver restrike of the Libertas Americana medal produced by the Monnaie de Paris in 2000, marking the first year of the modern authorized restrike program. Silver restrikes represent a premium offering that allows the medal's exceptional design to be appreciated in a precious-metal format also used for some original 18th-century strikings. Augustin Dupre designed the original medal in 1783 under commission from Benjamin Franklin. The obverse Liberty with flowing hair became so influential that it directly inspired Robert Scot's designs for the first United States coins in the 1790s, including the Flowing Hair Half Dollar and Dollar of 1794-1795. The reverse composition of infant Hercules, Minerva, and the British lion ranks among the most accomplished allegorical designs in numismatic history. Original silver strikings of the Libertas Americana from the 1780s are major rarities, with only a handful known. The 2000 Monnaie de Paris silver restrikes make the design available in precious metal at a fraction of the cost of 18th-century originals. The silver composition highlights the fine details of Dupre's modeling, particularly the flowing hair and drapery of the Liberty portrait. Silver restrikes are produced in smaller quantities than bronze versions, reflecting both the higher metal cost and the collector market positioning as a premium product. The 2000 vintage marks the beginning of the modern restrike series.

Rarity Notes

Moderately scarce among restrikes. Silver versions were produced in smaller quantities than bronze. First year of the modern restrike program.

Cross References

Betts-615 (original); Monnaie de Paris 2000 silver restrike