"1778" Silver Medal Non-Dependens Status

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,640 MS63 11-18-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

This silver striking of the 1778-dated NON DEPENDENS STATUS medal represents the premium metallic version of this Revolutionary War-era commemorative piece. The Latin motto, meaning "An Independent State," celebrates the sovereignty asserted by the thirteen American colonies during their war for independence from Great Britain. Silver strikings of early American medals were typically produced in smaller quantities than their bronze counterparts, intended for presentation purposes or for collectors of means. The obverse carries an allegorical design associated with American liberty and nationhood, while the reverse prominently displays the NON DEPENDENS STATUS inscription with the symbolic 1778 date. The silver composition gives the design elements greater definition and visual impact compared to the bronze version, as the softer metal captures finer die details. This medal type has long been collected as part of the broader category of early American commemorative medals that celebrate the founding of the republic, and the silver version is particularly sought after for its rarity and the prestige traditionally associated with silver presentation pieces.

Rarity Notes

Rare in silver. Silver strikings were produced in much smaller numbers than bronze versions and command a significant premium among collectors of early American medals.

Cross References

PCGS #826490