1776 (2014) Libertas Americana 1oz Gold Restrike High Relief Medal NGC PR69 Ultra Cameo

Libertas Americana Medal, 1781 (2014)..999 Gold, 34mm, 31.104 grams. Original die created by Augustin Dupré. Type Betts 615. The obverse features the flowing-hair head of Liberty with Pileus on pole, with the Latin LIBERTAS AMERICANA, 4 JUIL. 1776. around. The reverse features the infant Hercules strangling serpents, protected by Minerva-France from cowardly British lioness, with the Latin legend The Infant is not Spirited without Divine Aid. Dates of victories of Saratoga and Yorktown appear in exergue. This is a Gem Brilliant Proof. This classic French-American medal was conceived by Benjamin Franklin to publicize American victories in the Revolution. Gold medals were presented to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette; Silver went to heads of state in Europe, General Washington and other VIP's with Bronze medals distributed to other important European and American recipients. (We presently have a silver original for sale at $149,500). In contrast to the Paris Mint's usual policy of continued striking of many historic medals, the Libertas Americana was not re-created until the mid-1980's. This is number 412 of 5000.