"1784" Bronze Medal GM-35, Franklin-Dupre Paris Mint Restrike

Coin Details

Description

This bronze medal is a Paris Mint restrike of the 1784-dated Benjamin Franklin medal designed by Augustin Dupre, cataloged as GM-35 in the Greenslet-Fuld reference. The original medal was commissioned during Franklin's celebrated tenure as American Minister to France (1778-1785), where he became the most famous American in Europe and a symbol of Enlightenment ideals. Dupre, one of France's finest engravers who later designed the famous Libertas Americana medal, created this portrait medal capturing Franklin in his signature fur cap and plain coat that so charmed Parisian society. The obverse presents Franklin's bust with an inscription identifying him, while the reverse carries commemorative text. Paris Mint restrikes of this type were produced from the original dies (or copies thereof) held in the Monnaie de Paris collection, which maintained dies for important historical medals and continued striking them for collectors well into the 19th and 20th centuries. The designation "Restrike" indicates this piece was struck after the original production run, using the enduring Paris Mint tradition of preserving and reusing important dies.

Rarity Notes

Paris Mint restrikes are available but original 1784 strikings are rare. The Monnaie de Paris continued producing restrikes through the modern era, making these accessible to collectors.

Cross References

PCGS #599289; GM-35 (Greenslet-Fuld)