(1880-98) Silver Medal Betts-619, Franklin Winged Genius Paris Mint Restrike

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,680 MS61 08-23-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

This silver restrike of the Franklin Winged Genius medal (Betts-619) was produced at the Paris Mint during the 1880-98 restrike period. The silver composition elevates this restrike above the bronze version (PCGS #955728) in both value and scarcity. The Betts-619 medal, featuring Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the allegorical Winged Genius on the reverse, is one of the most beautiful and historically significant medals in the entire Betts catalog. Franklin's diplomatic triumph in securing the French alliance was arguably the single most important American achievement of the Revolution outside the battlefield, and this medal was the official French artistic recognition of that accomplishment. The Paris Mint restrike in silver provides an affordable alternative to original eighteenth-century strikings.

Rarity Notes

Paris Mint silver restrike, 1880-98 period. Silver version scarcer than bronze. Rare.

Cross References

Betts-619; Benjamin Franklin Winged Genius; Diplomatic Medal; Paris Mint restrike