(1880-DT) Bronze Medal J-NA-1, Paris Mint Restrike Captain John Paul Jones

Coin Details

Description

The circa 1880 bronze naval medal cataloged as Julian NA-1, struck as a Paris Mint restrike, honors Captain John Paul Jones. The designation "1880-DT" indicates this is a die trial or dated restrike produced at the Paris Mint around 1880, approximately a century after the original medal was struck by Augustin Dupre at the same institution. The obverse features Jones's naval portrait from the Dupre dies. The reverse carries the commemorative imagery of the 1779 naval battle. Paris Mint restrikes can be distinguished from Philadelphia Mint productions by differences in striking quality, edge treatment, and metal characteristics specific to French Mint practices. The Paris Mint maintained the original Dupre dies and produced restrikes at various periods to satisfy continuing demand from collectors and institutions. The 1880 production date coincides with a period of significant French-American numismatic exchange, as American collectors increasingly sought French-struck versions of Revolutionary War medals while French collectors pursued American productions.

Rarity Notes

Paris Mint restrike from circa 1880. Distinguished from both earlier French strikes and Philadelphia Mint productions by production characteristics.

Cross References

Julian NA-1; PCGS #882920