Comitia Americana & Revolutionary Era

"1779" (1880-1901) Captain John Paul Jones / Bonhomme Richard vs. Serapis Naval Medal. Paris Mint Restrike from Original Dies. Adams-Bentley 8, Betts-568, Julian NA-1. Silver. MS-63 (NGC).

56 mm. Attractive silver-gray surfaces exhibit a fine grain sandblast finish; close inspection with a loupe reveals myriad tiny facets to the texture. Fully struck with impressive high relief to the design elements, especially Captain Jones' portrait, this is a beautiful Choice example of a classic Comitia Americana medal. The Paris Mint restrikes of this type differ from the U.S. Mint versions in that they are signed on both sides by the sculptor and often have edge inscriptions which allow collectors to more closely date their specimens. The edge of this specimen is inscribed with a cornucopia and ARGENT (silver), as noted on the NGC insert, indicating that this medal was produced between the years of 1880 and 1901 (the NGC holder says 1880-1898). All silver impressions of this medal are highly collectable. This one was produced after the original dies had been sandblasted to remove defects.

Estimate: $ 750