Details
Libertas Americana Medal, dies engraved 1782 by Dupre, silver, plain edge (Betts-615), 943.0 grains, obv., LIBERTAS AMERICANA above, 4 JUIL. 1776 below head of Liberty to left, Liberty cap and pole, rev., NON SINE DIIS ANIMOSUS INFANS (The infant is not bold without divine aid) above, 17 OCT. 1777 19 OCT. 1781 below Minerva, infant Hercules, and British lion, splendidly sharp, the very smallest of design details struck up, perhaps the finest known specimen of this beautiful tribute to American independence, choice Proof and delicately toned
Further details
This beautiful obverse personification of Liberty was copied by Joseph Wright and other early United States Mint engravers for our earliest national coinage. The allegorical reverse is a fine example of the engraver's art. Minerva, clad in breastplate and plumed helmet, holds a shield carrying the fleur-d'lis of France. The infant Hercules kneels in the protective shadow of Minerva's shield grasping a strangled serpent in each tiny fist. The serpents represent the defeats of General Burgoyne (17 October, 1777) and Cornwallis (19 October, 1781). The British lion stands, front paws against Minerva's shield, with its tail between its legs, a sign of cowardice.