Cast Copy 1781 Libertas Americana Medal. As Adams-Bentley 15, Betts-615. Lead. Extremely Fine.
49.3 mm, 4.0 mm to 4.3 mm thick. 872.0 grains. While this piece has been celebrated in the literature as a different die variety of Libertas Americana medal, it is actually a cast of a specimen that was made when the medal was housed in a decorative bezel. The rotation is about 30 degrees counterclockwise of the proper medal rotation seen on all genuine pieces, and the surfaces show the tell-tale pitting from gases escaping during the casting process. The details are likewise not crisp as they would be on a struck piece, particularly one produced in soft metal (compare to the two cliches seen elsewhere in this sale). The surfaces are glossy even dark gray except for some areas of raised pest. An interesting study piece and an attractive substitute for a real medal, one that has the appearance of significant age.
From the Cardinal Collection Educational Foundation.