22nd Jul, 2025 14:30
Fine Silver and Objects of Vertu Auction
"1781" (1783) Libertas Americana Medal, MS-60 (NGC)
"1781" (1783) Libertas Americana Medal, original Paris Mint, by Augustin Dupre. Betts-615, Adams-Bentley 15, silver, MS-60 (NGC), 47.5mm - 51.5g.
An outstanding example of a classic early American medal, completely original, and with exceptionally vivid toning that is rarely seen in silver impressions of this type. This piece is totally fresh to the modern market having been found in a home in the North East of England.
No other medal in the canon of American numismatics is invested with so much history and importance as the Libertas Americana medal. It followed the declaration of American independence, whose date is placed in the obverse legend, and the support of France in the American cause. The two greatest American victories, that of Gates at Saratoga and Washington at Yorktown, are referenced with dates in the reverse exergue. The British armies defeated on those dates, Burgoyne's force at Saratoga and that of Cornwallis at Yorktown, are incorporated into the reverse allegory as the snakes strangled by Hercules in his crib. In that allegory, France is depicted as Minerva, defending the infant from the lioness, Great Britain, whose tail curls between her hind legs. The obverse design influenced many of the depictions of Liberty that would come from the first United States Mint, directly inspiring the Liberty Cap design found on copper half cents and cents in the 1790s. Dozens, perhaps hundreds, of later American medals and tokens used the design, from privately issued business cards to the United States Mint's 1945 Assay Commission medal. Its image was featured on contemporary engravings and textiles, and examples could be found in the 18th century in the collections of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, John Adams, and more. No founding father is as closely associated with the medal, of course, as Benjamin Franklin. The medal was his brainchild and pet project, and every specimen that survives traces its provenance to him.
Silver examples are perhaps 10 times rarer than bronze examples. Having been distributed non-numismatically, most have been mishandled, and examples this fine are quite rare.
Benjamin Franklin was known to have visited the North of England a few times during his sixteen-year period of living in London between 1757-1775. Most notably in this instance was a visit to a colliery in Walker, Newcastle, in 1772, to visit a steam pump. At which time he asked a Mr John Cuthbert, of Witton Castle, to commission a sketch of the same. He got Ralph Beilby, (1744–1817), engraver, to make an engraving of the piece which was sent to him. Whether this piece was sent to Cuthbert in later years is unknown but this current piece was found just a few miles away from Witton Castle and had previously been purchased from a coin dealer, coming with a price card in pre-decimal cost of £2 10s.
£50,000 - £80,000
Buyer's premium: 30% (inc. VAT)
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Auction: Fine Silver and Objects of Vertu Auction, 22nd Jul, 2025
Our Summer Fine Silver & Objects of Vertu Auction presents a distinguished offering of both antique and contemporary silverware, led by a rare and historically important Libertas Americana silver medal, dated 1781 and graded MS-60. This remarkable piece will be offered at 3:00pm.
Further highlights include an impressive late 19th Century Continental silver figure of a lion; a fine William IV silver tea urn; and a scarce Queen Anne Scottish silver tazza.
Viewing
Fri 18/07/25 12pm-4.30pm
Sat 19/07/25 10am-12.30pm
Mon 21/07/25 10am-2pm
For full Auction Terms and Conditions please click here.
Please note that this item doesn't currently have a quote or is not suitable for a pre-sale automated shipping estimate due to the item's weight/size. You can request a shipping quote by emailing info@andersonandgarland.com and our client services team will liaise with Mailboxes Newcastle on your behalf to establish whether the item can be sent using their courier service.
If you purchase multiple large items, we will combine deliveries to reduce the shipping costs.
Should you be successful in buying this item, a specific shipping estimate will need to be requested after the sale using the link in your invoice email. This also includes all requests for international delivery.
While an identification of damage is given in some instances, an absence of such advice does not imply the lot is free from defect. All condition reports whether verbal or in writing are given as a matter of courtesy and are statements of opinion. Condition reports are not exhaustive and may not encompass all defects deemed to be fair wear and tear which may be commensurate with age. The Auctioneers will not be responsible for any defects not mentioned in condition reports. All prospective buyers are strongly advised to inspect any lot on which they intend to bid and fully satisfy themselves as to condition and accuracy of any description applied to a lot. Any post-sale enquiries from buyers must be made within 10 working days of the auction.
