France (for the United States) | |
| Value | Non-circulating |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 47-48 mm (1.85-1.89 in) |
| Edge | Plain |
| Composition | Gold, silver (.925 fine), copper/bronze |
| Gold | 1.85 troy oz |
| Silver | 1.47 troy oz |
| Years of minting | 1783 (original) with modern strikes and reproductions |
| Mintage | Limited |
| Obverse | |
 | |
| Design | Draped bust of Liberty facing left with flowing hair |
| Designer | Augustin Dupré, Benjamin Franklin |
| Reverse | |
| Design | Infant Hercules (young America) strangling two serpents (representing British Generals Burgoyne and Cornwallis); Minerva defends with shield of fleur-de-lis against a lioness (Britian) |
| Designer | Esprit-Antoine Gibelin |
The Libertas Americana was a medal made to commemorate the American Revolution. It was designed in part by Benjamin Franklin.[1][2]
History
[edit]The medal was originally conceived by Benjamin Franklin after being asked to create a monument in honor of the Siege of Yorktown. Franklin outlined his idea in a letter to Robert Livingston on 4 March 1782.[3] The reverse design was further developed by Esprit-Antoine Gibelin and Augustin Dupré.[4][2] The coin was minted in copper, silver and a couple of gold. The gold medals were lost in the French Revolution and were never found.
Design
[edit]The obverse of the medal features the goddess Liberty. Beside her is a pole adorned with a Phrygian cap. The reverse features the infant Hercules representing the United States being attacked by a lion representing the United Kingdom. The infant, who is shown strangling two snakes, is being protected by Athena who represents France.[4][5] The reverse includes the motto NON SINE DIIS ANIMOSUS INFANS, from Horace's ode "Descende coelo", which translates to "The infant is not bold without the aide of the gods."
References
[edit]- ^ "Libertas Americana Medals". PCGS. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
- ^ a b "Libertas Americana". www.si.edu. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
- ^ "The Libertas Americana Medal". artgallery.yale.edu. The Yale University Art Gallery. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
- ^ a b "Libertas Americana". National Museum of American History. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
- ^ "The Libertas Americana Medal 1781". coinauctionshelp.com. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
