1781 (2014) Libertas Americana 1oz Gold Paris Restrike NGC PR70 Ultra Cameo

This is a simply awe-inspiring example with vivid golden-yellow surfaces and dramatic field to device contrast. This piece is impressive for its visual appeal, with its motifs that are virtually pristine. This beautiful restrike of the Libertas Americana would be an important addition to the collector of U.S. medals. It includes the COA #79 out of the total production of 5,000 at the Monnaie de Paris (the Paris Mint) in 2014. NGC has graded this piece as PF 70 UC. There are a total of 163 pieces that carry that superior grade from NGC.

A 1788 painting of Benjamin Franklin, who collaborated with famed French medalist Augustin Dupre to create the Libertas Americana. Source: Wikipedia

This piece is a restrike of perhaps the most famous--and most popular--of all medals relating to American history. Benjamin Franklin collaborated with famed French medalist and sculptor Augustin Dupre on the design and manufacture of the original Libertas Americana medal, which garnered the number one spot in the book, 100 Greatest American Medals and Tokens, by Katherine Jaeger and Q. David Bowers.

The obverse carries "LIBERTAS AMERICANA" (American Liberty) across the top. The primary device is a dramatic bust of Liberty with flowing hair, a Phrygian cap atop a pole behind her. In the exergue below is found the date "4 JUIL. 1776." The engraver's signature "DUPRE" is carved into the truncation of the bust.

The reverse presents the infant Hercules, symbolizing the nascent United States, strangling two snakes that embody the British forces at Saratoga and Yorktown. The left side presents Minerva, with the fleur-de-lis of France on her shield and spear in hand, fending off the attack of a lion that symbolizes Great Britain. Above this scene is the motto, "NON SINE DIIS ANIMOSUS INFANS"--from Horace's ode "Descende Coelo"--which translates as "the courageous child was aided by the gods." Two dates, "17 OCT. 1777" and "19 OCT. 1781," honor the patriot victories at Saratoga and Yorktown. Lastly, the signature "DUPRE F." is found at the lion's feet.