The Libertas Americana Medal Artist: Augustin Dupré (French, 1748–1833)
Mint: Paris

1782

Numismatics

On view, 1st floor, Numismatics


The Libertas Americana medal was designed by the noted French artist Augustin Dupré to specifications by Benjamin Franklin. It was struck in Paris, since the fledgling country had no minting facility capable of such exacting work. Franklin outlined his ideas in a letter to Robert Livingston written from Passy on March 4, 1782; his concern extended to details of the legend, which are faithfully reproduced along with the principal types on the medal itself.

Medium

Silver

Dimensions

54.59 g, 12:00, 48 mm

Credit Line

Transfer from the Yale University Library, Numismatic Collection, 2001, Bequest of the Charles Wyllys Betts, B.A. 1867, M.A. 1871, Collection

Accession Number

2001.87.1793

Geography

Made in Paris, France

Culture

American

Period

19th century

Classification

Numismatics

Disclaimer

Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of records is ongoing.

Numismatics

Obverse Description

Obverse Description: LIBERTAS AMERICANA above, 4 JUIL. 1776 in ex. Head of Libertas Americana l. with rich tresses of hair flowing behind, liberty cap on pole over r. shoulder. On truncation, DUPRE.

Reverse Description

Reverse Description: NON SINE DIIS ANIMOSUS INFANS from 11:00, in ex. 17 OCT. 1777 and 19 OCT. 1781. Minerva in breastplate and plumed helmet holding in l. shield bearing fleur de lys and with r. spearing at lion whose l. forepaw is on her shield, tail between his legs. The infant Hercules kneels in the protective shadow of Minerva's shield, grasping a serpent in each hand.
Provenance
Charles Wyllys Betts, to about 1887; Yale University Library, New Haven, Conn., from about 1887 to 2001; Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Conn.
Bibliography
  • American Art: Selections from the Yale University Art Gallery (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Art Gallery, 2023), 78–79, no. 25, ill
  • Charles Wyllys Betts, American Colonial History Illustrated by Contemporary Medals, 1964 reprint (New York: Scott Stamp and Coin Company, 1964), 300, no. 615
Object copyright
No Copyright - United States
Additional information

Object/Work type

figures (representations), medals, mythology

Subject

Minerva

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