(1819) Medal Fuld-FR.ME.NL.9 Copper Cliche Benjamin Franklin

Coin Details

Description

This copper cliche of a Benjamin Franklin medal is cataloged as Fuld-FR.ME.NL.9. A cliche (or cliché) in numismatic terminology refers to a thin, uniface impression struck from a single die, typically used as a trial piece, presentation proof, or demonstration of a die's design. Cliches are considerably rarer than conventionally struck medals because they were produced in very small quantities for specific purposes rather than for general distribution. This copper example captures one face of a Benjamin Franklin medal die, preserving the engraver's work in sharp detail unburdened by the opposing die's pressure. The Fuld-FR catalog places this within the extensive Franklin medal series, with the ME.NL.9 designation identifying the specific die variety and composition. Benjamin Franklin cliches are prized by advanced collectors for their rarity and for the clarity of detail they reveal, as the thin single-sided format often preserves finer engraving details than the fully struck bilateral medals. The copper composition was standard for trial and proof impressions of this era.

Rarity Notes

Copper cliche — uniface trial or proof impression. Cliches are inherently rare, produced in much smaller quantities than finished medals. Sought by advanced Franklin medal specialists.

Cross References

PCGS #891117; Fuld-FR.ME.NL.9