(1784) Bronze Medal Betts-619, Franklin Winged Genius Restrike

Coin Details

Auction Record

$5,040 MS63BN 11-21-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

Betts-619 in bronze is a restrike of the Franklin "Winged Genius" medal from 1784, one of the most celebrated designs in American medallic art. The original medal was created at the Paris Mint during Franklin's enormously popular sojourn in France as American Minister. The design features Franklin's portrait on the obverse with the allegorical figure of Winged Genius on the reverse, symbolizing the intellectual and scientific achievements for which Franklin was revered throughout Europe. Bronze restrikes of this design were produced periodically at the Paris Mint from the original dies, making the celebrated design available to successive generations of collectors. Franklin's popularity in France was extraordinary -- his image appeared on medals, prints, rings, snuffboxes, and every conceivable decorative object, prompting King Louis XVI to joke that he would give a chamber pot with Franklin's image to one of his courtiers obsessed with the American.

Rarity Notes

Bronze restrike of the famous Franklin Winged Genius medal. Paris Mint production from original dies. Available but always in demand.

Cross References

Betts-619; PCGS #529210