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

Coin Details

Auction Record

$900 MS64 08-22-2018 Stack's Bowers

Description

A silver copy of the Libertas Americana medal produced in 1976 for the American Bicentennial. This premium-metal version of the Bicentennial reproduction targets collectors who wanted the Libertas Americana design in precious metal during the nation's 200th anniversary celebrations. The 1976 silver copy was part of the broader wave of Bicentennial commemoratives that swept through American numismatics. The Libertas Americana design — with Liberty's flowing hair on the obverse and the allegory of infant Hercules, Minerva, and the British lion on the reverse — embodied the Revolutionary War heritage that the Bicentennial celebrated. Silver provided an elevated format for this historically resonant design. Unlike the later Monnaie de Paris restrikes (beginning in 2000), the 1976 silver copies were independent productions that reproduced Dupre's design for the commemorative market. They were typically sold at a premium over brass versions and were marketed to more serious collectors and Bicentennial enthusiasts. The 1976 Bicentennial silver Libertas Americana copies have become period pieces in their own right, representing a specific moment in American commemorative culture. They bridge the gap between the unobtainable 18th-century originals and the later official Monnaie de Paris restrike program, providing collectors with a mid-century precious-metal interpretation of one of America's most important medallic designs.

Rarity Notes

Moderately scarce. Silver Bicentennial copies were produced in smaller quantities than brass versions.

Cross References

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