1976 Brass Libertas Americana Medal - Copy of Original Design(Regular Strike)

Coin Details

Auction Record

$660 MS65 03-29-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

A brass copy of the Libertas Americana medal produced in 1976 to commemorate the American Bicentennial. Timed to coincide with the 200th anniversary of American independence, this brass reproduction captures the spirit of Dupre's original 1783 design during a period of intense national celebration and renewed interest in Revolutionary War history. The 1976 Bicentennial prompted a wave of commemorative items across all media, and the Libertas Americana — one of the most iconic symbols of the American Revolution — was a natural subject for reproduction. This brass copy brings the familiar Liberty obverse and infant Hercules reverse to the popular Bicentennial market in an affordable base-metal format. The brass composition gives the piece a warm golden appearance while keeping it accessible to the broad audience that engaged with Bicentennial collectibles. Unlike the Monnaie de Paris restrikes that began in 2000, the 1976 copies are third-party productions that reproduce the general design without the institutional authority of the original French mint. These 1976 Bicentennial copies occupy a nostalgic niche in American collecting, representing both the enduring power of Dupre's design and the enthusiastic celebration of America's 200th birthday. They are often encountered at antique shows and coin bourses, having been distributed widely during the Bicentennial year.

Rarity Notes

Common. Bicentennial reproductions were produced in large quantities for the popular market.

Cross References

Betts-615 (original); 1976 Bicentennial reproduction series; Libertas Americana medal, Dupre 1783