1781 Libertas Americana Silver Medal PCGS CAC MS-62

One of the most celebrated medals in American history, the Libertas Americana was commissioned by Benjamin Franklin in Paris in 1782 to commemorate the victories at Saratoga and Yorktown and to symbolize the birth of American liberty. Struck in 1781 by the Paris Mint under the engraving of Augustin Dupre, this silver medal was presented by Franklin to foreign ministers and dignitaries as a diplomatic gift representing the new republic's ideals. Its Latin motto and allegorical imagery made it instantly iconic among American and European collectors alike.

The obverse presents a beautifully rendered left-facing portrait of Liberty with flowing hair adorned with a liberty cap on a pole, the legend LIBERTAS AMERICANA arcing above, and the date 4 JUIL. 1776 inscribed below. The portrait exhibits bold, high-relief modeling with sharp hair detail and well-defined facial features. The reverse displays an elaborate allegorical scene: Minerva, helmeted and armed with a lance and shield, shields an infant Hercules as a lion attacks, referencing France's protection of the young American nation. The legend NON SINE DIIS ANIMOSUS INFANS arcs above, with the battle dates 17 OCT. 1777 and 19 OCT. 1781 below. Both sides show rich, even golden-toned surfaces with strong device definition throughout.

This example grades PCGS MS-62 with CAC endorsement, confirming the coin meets or exceeds quality standards for the assigned grade. The surfaces display an appealing warm golden patina, with well-preserved high-relief details and no distracting marks. The Libertas Americana medal is a cornerstone piece for serious American numismatic collections, representing both the art of 18th-century French medallic engraving and the founding moment of the United States. For those seeking a historically significant, certified example of this revered issue, this medal is a compelling choice. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.

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