NEWP: French 1792 Lyons Medal! Libertias Americana/1793 Half Cent design
AnkurJ
Posts: 11,370 ✭✭✭✭
Just picked this up from Coin Rarities online. The price was more than fair, and significantly less than what I have seen from other dealers. This example is a very nice gunmetal gray. The dark spot on the reverse is nearly invisible in person. It looks Mint state to me as I do not any signs of wear. Some history about the medal:
This important medal was struck for the artist's reunion convention in Lyon, France in 1792. On the truncation of the lady on the obverse, the name Galle is clearly engraved. Obviously, the design was taken directly from the Dupre 1783 Libertas Americana medal which was struck to commemorate the end of our Revolutionary War and our joint victory with France over England. The obverse depicts a women with bold curls sweeping down the back of her head, with a small cap extended on a long pole behind her. Since Roman times slaves often wore caps, and during those rare times when slaves won their freedom, this was symbolized by extending their slave caps on poles for all to see. The reverse of this medal notes the convention of the artists, and is dated 1792. A splendidly engraved oak wreath encircles the reverse.
As both France and America overthrew their respective kings in the late 1700s, the slave's cap extended on a pole was emblematic of each country's freedom from kingly rule. The medal states that it was struck in the first year of the French Republic.
As France was exploding into its own revolution for the third year when this was struck, precious and base metals were seldom available, so this medal was made from church bells which were melted down to make the large planchets on which to strike these. Popular with collectors as this design was probably used to model our first half cents and large cents in 1793, with the cap extended on a pole lasting a few precious years before the design was changed to the Draped Bust by Gilbert Stuart.
Ankur
This important medal was struck for the artist's reunion convention in Lyon, France in 1792. On the truncation of the lady on the obverse, the name Galle is clearly engraved. Obviously, the design was taken directly from the Dupre 1783 Libertas Americana medal which was struck to commemorate the end of our Revolutionary War and our joint victory with France over England. The obverse depicts a women with bold curls sweeping down the back of her head, with a small cap extended on a long pole behind her. Since Roman times slaves often wore caps, and during those rare times when slaves won their freedom, this was symbolized by extending their slave caps on poles for all to see. The reverse of this medal notes the convention of the artists, and is dated 1792. A splendidly engraved oak wreath encircles the reverse.
As both France and America overthrew their respective kings in the late 1700s, the slave's cap extended on a pole was emblematic of each country's freedom from kingly rule. The medal states that it was struck in the first year of the French Republic.
As France was exploding into its own revolution for the third year when this was struck, precious and base metals were seldom available, so this medal was made from church bells which were melted down to make the large planchets on which to strike these. Popular with collectors as this design was probably used to model our first half cents and large cents in 1793, with the cap extended on a pole lasting a few precious years before the design was changed to the Draped Bust by Gilbert Stuart.
Ankur
All coins kept in bank vaults.
PCGS Registries
Box of 20
SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
PCGS Registries
Box of 20
SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
0
Comments
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
World Collection
British Collection
German States Collection
<< <i>It looks Mint state to me >>
Since medals don't circulate that's a good bet! I guess medals could have wear as a pocket piece though?
However, about the hat: it looks like an afterthought that was squeezed into an otherwise beautiful design.
Tell me, is the hat about 1/4 the size it would need to be to fit her (if the pole is on her shoulder), or is the hat size proportional to her head, but looks so small and low relief because it's hanging on a pole about 8 feet behind Miss Liberty and it looks that small because of the perspective?
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
<< <i>you know, I absolutely love the head on this piece and on the Libertas Americana.
However, about the hat: it looks like an afterthought that was squeezed into an otherwise beautiful design.
Tell me, is the hat about 1/4 the size it would need to be to fit her (if the pole is on her shoulder), or is the hat size proportional to her head, but looks so small and low relief because it's hanging on a pole about 8 feet behind Miss Liberty and it looks that small because of the perspective? >>
I would guess that its a stretchy hat :-D
PCGS Registries
Box of 20
SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
<< <i>
<< <i>you know, I absolutely love the head on this piece and on the Libertas Americana.
However, about the hat: it looks like an afterthought that was squeezed into an otherwise beautiful design.
Tell me, is the hat about 1/4 the size it would need to be to fit her (if the pole is on her shoulder), or is the hat size proportional to her head, but looks so small and low relief because it's hanging on a pole about 8 feet behind Miss Liberty and it looks that small because of the perspective? >>
I would guess that its a stretchy hat :-D >>
I always assumed it was the engravers attempt to create perspective.
Google Phrygian cap or Pileus cap for some good reading.
Lance.
Thanks for that information! Most examples of this medal I have seen have prices of $1200 to $1700. This one cost me far less thanks to the Coin Rarities online early bird email.
Ankur
PCGS Registries
Box of 20
SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
- Marcus Tullius Cicero, 106-43 BC