(1860-1879) Bronze Medal Betts-568, John Paul Jones Restrike, Bee Edge

Coin Details

Auction Record

$384 MS66BN 08-20-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

This bronze restrike of the John Paul Jones medal (Betts-568) was produced at the Paris Mint during the 1860-79 restrike period, identifiable by its bee edge mark. The original medal commemorates Jones's legendary victory in the naval battle between the USS Bonhomme Richard and HMS Serapis on September 23, 1779, during which Jones allegedly declared "I have not yet begun to fight!" when asked to surrender his sinking ship. The obverse bears Jones's portrait by Augustin Dupre, and the reverse depicts the fierce naval engagement. This was one of the Comitia Americana medals authorized by Congress. Medallic commemoration of colonial events was not limited to military victories — treaties, explorations, trading company foundings, missionary activities, and colonial administrative milestones all received medallic recognition. The bee edge mark is diagnostic for Paris Mint products of the Second Empire and early Third Republic period, named for the Napoleonic bee symbol used as the edge device.

Rarity Notes

Paris Mint bronze restrike, 1860-79 period. Bee edge mark. The Jones medal is one of the most popular Comitia Americana subjects.

Cross References

Betts-568; John Paul Jones; Bonhomme Richard vs. Serapis 1779; Comitia Americana; Dupre engraver