I have no idea what it is but I think it's a neat piece. I would not hole it for any reason nor would I put it in a bezel. Either action would damage an interesting token.
What it is is a Libertas Americana Commemorative - For the British Surrender at Saratoga (1777) and Yorktown (1791). I only find these as Re-Strikes made in France in 1976 - struck on 0.925 Silver. The US did another Re-Strike in 2004, but they are Proof.) Real 1781's are like $20-110K, so I doubt it is original. To match yours - weigh and measure it. It should be: Wt = 57.60 g Diam = 46.70 mm There is also an Oval Hallmark on the edge of Cornucopia-925. You can look it up on en.numista.com and search "Libertas Americana"
I don't know if yours is an original or a restrike. I bought a pair of the restrikes, one in silver and one in bronze, at the Paris Mint table at the FUN Show about 2007. They are individually boxed and still remain in pristine condition. Chris
Hmmm... Care to explain how you know it isn't a Re-Strike? Did you just come upon a medal worth Thousands by chance? If you didn't know the value initially, I find it difficult to believe that you know it isn't a re-strike. Of course... if you can explain to me how you know it isn't a Re-Strike, then great! The Auction prices for Original Medals on PCGS - $1500 in VF and over $150K in MS62: https://www.pcgs.com/auctionprices/details/1781-libertas-americana-ms-medal/528764
Well, now you've piqued my curiosity! Apparently, you know more than you are letting on. Please tell me, because this has always been one of my favorite medals. I've just never been able to afford one in really good condition. Chris
OP has some interesting threads (of course he only has 3 total) I follow but don't post to ... i have a few of his on this post I'm my "buy list" after I win the lottery. https://www.cointalk.com/threads/some-nice-colonials.330952/#post-3310709
@RittenhouseCU Do you have any other pictures? Maybe ones that aren't GrayScale? I'm unsure of the metal of the coin from the pictures. Also... is this a Medal you OWN.. or just found a picture of? Just curious.
Ok... so, your original post is essentially pointless??? You already know what its worth, and you know you wouldn't put a hole in it. Why don't you just post the specs on the coin that you obviously know a lot about? That way, we can at least all know exactly what it is.
Have you no sense of adventure and learning? I posted it to see who would put on their thinking caps. It's a 19th century electrotype of an original Libertas Americana. In the top 3 or 4 of pieces I've seen over the last 30 years. Value? It's worth around 2K, probably more now that electrotypes are getting hot.
The "mystery", is no longer so, but I'll add some bits from online to help make it a more rounded picture. Designed by Benjamin Franklin and E.-A.-Gibelin, sculpted/engraved by A. Dupre'. Struck at the "Mint for Medals at the Louvre", Paris. Silver, 47.5 mm, 45.7 gm (1.612 oz). - OBVERSE. LIBERTAS AMERICANA (American Liberty), a bust of Liberty with flowing hair and Phrygian cap on a pole behind her.The daate, 4 July 1776, is spelled from the shortened French form. Signature DUPRE appears at the truncation of the bust. REVERSE. Infant Hercules, symbolic of the United States, strangling two snakes that represent the British armies at Saratoga and Yorktown. Minerva at the left with the fleur-de-lis of France on her shield and a spear in hand thwarting the attack of a lion representing Britain. Above is the motto from Horace's ode, "Descende coelo" (the infant is not bold without the aid of the gods). Two dates, with a common month, in the exergue, signify American victories at Saratoga and Yorktown. Signature, DUPRE F. appears at the lion's feet.
@Bert Gedin I'm not trying to be picky, but the "F." on the signature stands for the Latin word "fecit" which means "He made it." It is used quite commonly on French medals. Chris
Thanks, Chris, my Latin is far from fluent. And I hope the details, re. the medallion, will be useful to some, not least, the owner himself, RittenhouseCU. In case he has any doubts, I did put on my thinking cap.
