(1779) Silver Medal Betts-568, John Paul Jones Restrike, Cornucopia

Coin Details

Description

This silver restrike of Betts-568, the John Paul Jones Comitia Americana medal, is identified by the cornucopia edge mark indicating production at the Paris Mint. French mint restrikes bear small symbols on the edge -- the cornucopia (horn of plenty) signifying post-1880 Paris Mint production. The original Dupre dies for this medal remained at the Paris Mint, which struck restrikes periodically to meet collector demand for one of America's most iconic military medals. The obverse portrait of Jones and the reverse battle scene between Bonhomme Richard and HMS Serapis are among the finest examples of eighteenth-century medallic art. The Continental Congress authorized this medal in 1787, making Jones one of only a handful of Revolutionary War officers so honored. This cornucopia-edge restrike provides collectors a genuine Paris Mint product struck from the original dies, representing the closest possible connection to the eighteenth-century originals.

Rarity Notes

Silver restrike with cornucopia edge mark (post-1880 Paris Mint). Genuine Mint product from original dies. Available but always in demand.

Cross References

Betts-568; PCGS #707496