(1779) Medal Hub Trial - Dupre No.15, Flote du Conte Destain

Coin Details

Description

This hub trial is the work of Augustin Dupre, one of the greatest medallists of the 18th century and a figure of enormous importance to both French and American numismatics. Dupre served as Engraver General of the Paris Mint and is best known in American numismatics for designing the Libertas Americana medal commissioned by Benjamin Franklin in 1783. This hub trial, designated Dupre No. 15, relates to a medal commemorating the fleet of Admiral Charles Hector, Comte d'Estaing (rendered in period French as "Conte Destain"), who commanded the French naval forces sent to support the American Revolution. D'Estaing's fleet arrived off the American coast in 1778 and participated in several engagements, including an unsuccessful assault on Savannah, Georgia, in October 1779 where d'Estaing himself was wounded. Dupre created this medal to honor the French naval contribution to American independence — a subject of great diplomatic significance as France sought to celebrate its alliance with the fledgling republic. As a hub trial, this piece was struck from the master hub rather than a working die, testing the tool from which individual medal dies would be created. Hub trials by Dupre are artifacts of extraordinary artistic and historical significance, documenting the working methods of a master engraver at the height of his powers during the American Revolutionary period.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Hub trials by Augustin Dupre are among the most significant artifacts in 18th-century medal engraving, with most known in only one or two impressions.

Cross References

Dupre No. 15; Flote du Conte d'Estaing medal