2004 Silver Medal Libertas Americana Restrike

Coin Details

Auction Record

$646 Genuine 07-07-2016 Heritage Auctions

Description

A silver (AR, from Latin argentum) restrike of the Libertas Americana medal issued by the Monnaie de Paris in 2004. This continues the successful restrike program begun in 2000, offering collectors the celebrated Dupre design in precious metal. The Libertas Americana medal occupies a unique position at the intersection of art, diplomacy, and numismatics. Benjamin Franklin's commission to Dupre was not merely a commemorative exercise but a deliberate act of soft power, using the universal language of medallic art to communicate America's triumph and France's essential role in securing it. Franklin distributed the original medals strategically throughout European courts to build diplomatic support for the fledgling nation. Dupre's obverse Liberty portrait became the template for American numismatic imagery. The flowing hair, classical profile, and liberty cap influenced coin designs from the 1790s Chain Cent through the early 20th century. The reverse composition, with its sophisticated use of classical allegory, established a standard for commemorative medal design that persists to this day. The 2004 silver restrike allows collectors to own this masterwork in a precious-metal format at an accessible price point. Silver displays Dupre's fine relief work beautifully, with the metal's reflectivity creating dynamic interplay between the design elements and the medal's field as the viewing angle changes.

Rarity Notes

Moderately scarce among restrikes. Silver versions are produced in smaller numbers than bronze.

Cross References

Betts-615 (original); Monnaie de Paris 2004 silver restrike