Until recently the reference by C. Wyllys Betts titled American Colonial History Illustrated by Contemporary Medals (originally published in 1894; Quarterman Publications reprint, 1972) was the standard, and in many ways is still is, in terms of sheer physical descriptions and characteristics of the 623 medals listed in that volume. A more recent work, however, titled Comitia Americana and Related Medals: Underappreciated Monuments to Our Heritage by John W. Adams and Anne E. Bentley (George Frederick Kolbe, 2007) has added to collectors’ knowledge of these wonderful pieces.

The obverse shows the head of Liberty with flowing hair facing left, pole with Liberty cap behind her head, the inspiration for the 1793 Liberty Cap half cents, a design variously ascribed to Joseph Wright, Adam Eckfeldt, Henry Voigt, Robert Birch, and/or David Rittenhouse. The legend LIBERTAS.AMERICANA. encircles her head, with the date 4 JUIL. 1776 in exergue (the date of signing of the Declaration of Independence, of course). On the reverse Minerva with shield and spear protects an infant from an attacking lion, with legend around NON SINE DIIS ANIMOSUS INFANS (”The infant is not bold without divine aid”). As paraphrased from Betts:

The medal conveys an adroit compliment to the French nation. The infant Hercules stands for the new American Republic and has strangled two serpents, symbolizing the American victories at Yorktown and Saratoga (dates in reverse exergue, with DUPRE.F.)–but he is still exposed to the attack of the “cowardly” British lion, tail between his legs, whose power is baffled by Minerva. Her lily (”fleur de lis”) shield shows her to be emblematic of France, coming to the aid of the Republic. The legend is taken from an ode of Horace, “Descende coelo” (”Heaven descends”).

The Comitia Americana volume comments further concerning the historic importance of the piece:

“The story of the Libertas Americana medal has been told many times. Ever since its enthusiastic reception in France, the Libertas has compelled the attention of numismatists, cataloguers, and art lovers of all descriptions. It is, simply put, a masterpiece.

“Credit for this magnificent medal goes to Benjamin Franklin, who conceived and then liberally financed the project, and to the artisan he chose to execute the dies, Augustin Dupré. The combination of one of the great minds of the day with one of the leading artistic talents produced a monument worthy of both. Any individual who imbibes the simple beauty of this medal, taking the time to understand its role in history, will inevitably be inspired. The Libertas is a legacy to be treasured.”

The Medal shown above (Lot 1491 in Heritage’s Platinum Night Sale on July 31st in Baltimore) shows the “distinctive die break” at 7 o’clock on the obverse, along with considerable die rust, also as always, in the obverse field near Liberty’s chin. Based on the extensive die state elucidation in Comitia Americana, this piece appears fairly early, as it lacks the “pimples on the exergue line to the left of 17 and a distinct injury on the edge of the shield at K7.” Both sides show considerable luster, with overall milk-chocolate color that is darker in a few areas. An incredibly appealing piece whose historicity cannot be overstated.