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Libertas Americana, France, 1782-3 (Paris Mint, original dies)

American Numismatic and Archaeological Society

The Libertas Americana is one of the most iconic medals in American history. Benjamin Franklin commissioned the medal as the Revolutionary War was coming to an end. At the time he was serving as Minister to France (1776–1785) and envisioned an inspiring medal that would commemorate the Continental Army’s victories at Saratoga (1777) and Yorktown (1781) as well as honor the crucial role of French support in America’s liberation from British rule. The obverse depicts a youthful Liberty with flowing hair flanked by a pole with a freedman’s cap above the date 4 Juil [July] 1776. This design became a model for some of the first U.S. coin designs in 1792–1793 is an enduring image of America’s struggle for freedom and independence.

Date

1782 - 1783

Type

Medal

Medium

struck (overall production method)

Department

NMAH

Institution

National Museum of American History

Object number

nmah_1097425

Credit

Treasury Department, U.S. Mint