Libertas Americana - v. 2020, silver medal

This medal issued by the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint) is a replica of the "Libertas Americana" (Freedom for America) medals commissioned by Benjamin Franklin in 1792 to commemorate the American victories against the British in Yorktown and Saratoga. This Libertas Americana proof medal is struck from 1 Troy oz. of .999 silver, its mintage is limited 10k. Other examples can be found in palladium, platinum, and gold with much lower mintages. These are so popular and important medals that they have been repeatedly restruck over the last decades. Originals [bronze] are extremely sought after and rare.
Symbolic Designs by Esprit-Antoine Gibelin, sculpted by Augustin Dupre,
Lady Liberty with flowing hair is featured on the obverse, beside a Phrygian cap on a pole. Inscriptions include "LIBERTAS AMERICANA" and the date of American independence.
The reverse depicts an infant (Hercules) crushing two serpents, symbolizing the British military defeat at the battles of Yorktown and Saratoga. The French Allies are represented by the goddess Minerva, illustrated above holding back the Lion of Britain with a shield. Inscribed above "NON SINE DIIS ANIMOSUS INFANS" (The infant is not bold without divine aid), with the victory dates of Yorktown and Saratoga below.
Flawless Ultra Cameo Proof 70 with First Release Label.
This replica 1776 France Libertas Americana Medal Proof Medal was submitted to Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) for review within twenty-four hours of release and awarded the perfect grade of Proof 70 Ultra Cameo (UC). The 1 oz. silver is normally accompanied by a Mint issued Certificate of Authenticity and a booklet detailing the significance of the Libertas Americana.

More Info: The Libertas Americana medal was created under the direction of Benjamin Franklin. While stationed in France during the American Revolutionary War, Franklin received a detailed account of the Yorktown victory and was soon tasked to create a monument in its honor. Franklin responded with a proposal for a medal, rather than a monument, in which the United States would be depicted as the infant Hercules in the cradle, strangling the two serpents sent by Hera; above him, France personified as Athena (Minerva) would act as his nurse and mentor. The design became the medal’s reverse was further developed by both painter Esprit-Antoine Gibelin and engraver Augustin Dupré, each of whom furthered the design of France to also be seen as the protector of the infant as she fights the lioness Britannia who pounces at the child. The obverse iconography depicts Liberty with flowing hair. The obverse image would become the typical image of early American coinage.
VIEW & DOWNLOAD: A "Numismatist" article that explores this historic medal can be see at this: [ link ]