(1779) Silver Medal Betts-568, HMS Serapis, Restrike

Coin Details

Auction Record

$4,320 SP65 08-20-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

Betts-568 is one of the most famous medals in all of American numismatics, honoring Captain John Paul Jones for his legendary victory over HMS Serapis on September 23, 1779, during the American Revolution. This silver restrike reproduces the celebrated design by Augustin Dupre, authorized by the Continental Congress as one of the Comitia Americana series of military honor medals. The obverse bears Jones's portrait, while the reverse depicts the battle between Jones's Bonhomme Richard and the British warship Serapis off Flamborough Head, England. When his ship was sinking and the British captain asked if he wished to surrender, Jones famously replied "I have not yet begun to fight." This restrike in silver makes the iconic design available to collectors who cannot obtain an original striking. The HMS Serapis notation in the title emphasizes the captured British vessel, which Jones sailed to the Netherlands after the battle.

Rarity Notes

Silver restrike of the John Paul Jones Comitia Americana medal. Restrikes are more available than originals but still collected avidly.

Cross References

Betts-568; PCGS #698566