1776 (1783) AE Medal Betts-615, Libertas Americana, RB MS(PCGS#528764)

Winter 2022 U.S. Coins Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

3007

等级

MS62RB

价格

186,445

详细说明

A Second Mint State Libertas Americana Medal in Bronze "1781" (1783) Libertas Americana Medal. Original. Paris Mint. By Augustin Dupre. Adams-Bentley 15, Betts-615. Bronze. MS-62 RB (PCGS). 47 mm. Obv:Bust of Liberty to left with flowing tresses and liberty pole with cap, the inscription LIBERTAS AMERICANA above and the date 4 JUIL. 1776 below in exergue. There is a small die break (as struck) on the rim below the digit 4 in the date, as found on all genuine first strikes of this issue. Rev:Standing Minerva in full battle dress with spear holds a French shield over the infant Hercules (America) who is gripping a serpent in each hand, the serpents representing the American victories at Saratoga in October 1777 (the field was won for the American army by Benedict Arnold, who was wounded in the leg while rallying the American forces, though credit for the victory was given to General Horatio Gates, who remained as far as possible from the actual field of battle) and at Yorktown in October 1781. Minerva fends off a leaping lioness (England), its tail between its legs, a heraldic symbol of defeat. The inscription NON SINE DIIS ANIMOSUS INFANS (the courageous child was aided by the gods) arcs above, the dates of the British surrender by General "Gentleman Johnny" Burgoyne at Saratoga on October 17, 1777, and the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown on October 19, 1781, are below in exergue. This premium example is very pleasing with lively pinkish-rose toning highlights on both sides. The overall toning is light and largely confined to iridescent olive-brown in isolated areas around the devices. Fully struck, with the appearance of an even higher grade. Something on the order of 100 or so bronze examples of this popular all-American medal are extant, many in lesser grades than seen here. The silver pieces are impressive rarities (see preceding lot), and many collectors can only hope for a bronze specimen to represent the type. We expect strong bids for this attractive MS-62 RB specimen, so plan accordingly. Provenance: From the Cardinal Collection Educational Foundation. Earlier from our Chicago ANA Auction of August 2014, lot 13001. Click here for certification details from PCGS.