"1778" Bronze Medal Non-Dependens Status "Copy" Removed

Coin Details

Auction Record

$312 MS65BN 03-21-2018 Stack's Bowers

Description

This variant of the 1778-dated NON DEPENDENS STATUS medal in bronze is distinguished by the removal of the word "Copy" that appeared on some later reproductions. The original NON DEPENDENS STATUS medals celebrated American independence during the Revolutionary War, bearing a Latin inscription meaning "An Independent State." This particular piece had the COPY marking removed from the die or struck from an altered die, creating a version that more closely resembles the original issue. The practice of removing copy marks from restrike dies was common among 19th-century medal producers who sought to create pieces that would appeal to collectors desiring examples closer in appearance to the originals. The obverse features an allegorical representation associated with American liberty, while the reverse carries the independence motto and date. This medal occupies an interesting position in numismatic history as both a collectible in its own right and an example of the complex relationship between original medals, authorized restrikes, and altered reproductions that characterizes much of early American medallic production.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. The "Copy Removed" variant is collected as a distinct die state and commands collector interest for its altered die history.

Cross References

PCGS #658801