The Libertas Americana was a medal struck to commemorate the American Revolution. It was conceived by Benjamin Franklin and designed by the French artist Esprit-Antonie Gibelin. The dies were engraved by Augustin Dupré.[1][2][3]
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 |
History
editThe 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 March 4, 1782.[1] The reverse design was further developed by Esprit-Antoine Gibelin and Augustin Dupré.[1][3] The medal was minted in copper, silver, and gold. The only two gold medals were presented to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.[1] It is presumed they were lost in the French Revolution and never found.[citation needed]
Design
editThe obverse of the medal features the goddess Liberty with the motto LIBERTAS AMERICANA above. Beside her is a pole adorned with a Phrygian cap and the date 4 JUIL 1776 below.[1]
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. 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 aid of the gods."[3][4] The dates for the Battle of Saratoga and Siege of Yorktown are below.[1]
Legacy
editThe depiction of Liberty on the medal influenced the design of early United States coinage.[5]
A modern restrike of the medal from the Monnaie de Paris was used in the coin toss for Super Bowl LX.[6]
References
edit- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Bowers, Q. David (2014). Coins & Collectors Golden Anniversary Edition. Atlanta, GA: Whitman Publishing, LLC. pp. 16–17. ISBN 0794842720.
- ↑ "Libertas Americana Medals". PCGS. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Libertas Americana". www.si.edu. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
- ↑ Betts, C. Wyllys (1894). American Colonial History Illustrated by Contemporary Medals. New York: Scott Stamp and Coin Company. pp. 300–301.
- ↑ Vermeule, Cornelius C. (1971). Numismatic Art in America. Cambridge, Mass: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press. pp. 9–10. ISBN 9780674628403.
- ↑ Meek, Austin (February 8, 2026). "This year's Super Bowl coin is actually a medal — with a Benjamin Franklin connection". The Athletic. Archived from the original on February 9, 2026. Retrieved February 9, 2026.