"1779" AR Medal Betts-568, HMS Serapis, Restrike MS(PCGS#698566)

August 2019 ANA U.S. Coins Auction Rosemont, IL

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

12

等级

SP65

价格

30,493

详细说明

Phenomenal Gem John Paul Jones Naval Medal in Silver 1860-1879 Paris Mint Restrike from Original Dies Ex Sotheby, Wilkinson, & Hodge's Viscount Dillon Sale (1892) "1779" (1860-1879) Captain John Paul Jones / Bonhomme Richard vs. Serapis Naval Medal. Paris Mint Restrike from Original Dies. Silver. 56 mm. Betts-568, Julian NA-1, Adams-Bentley 8. Specimen-65 (PCGS). This is an exceptionally well preserved, wonderfully original example of a classic among American naval medals. Both sides are splashed with vivid highlights in steel-olive and reddish-russet that enliven a base of antique silver. Smartly impressed with full detail from the rims to the centers, this silky smooth Gem would serve as a highlight in the finest cabinet. The Paris Mint restrikes of this type differ from the U.S. Mint versions in that they are signed on both sides by the sculptor and often have edge inscriptions which allow collectors to more closely date their specimens. The edge of this specimen is inscribed with a bee and ARGENT (silver), indicating that this medal was struck in silver and produced between the years of 1860 and 1879. All silver strikings of this medal are highly collectable, this one with the added distinction of an impressive provenance to a late 19th century Sotheby's sale. Arguably the most popular of the early American naval medals, Adams-Bentley 8 was produced to commemorate the tactical victory of a Franco-American naval squadron under the command of Continental Navy Captain John Paul Jones over two British warships protecting a merchant convoy on September 23, 1779. Known to history as the Battle of Flamborough Head, the battle took place in the North Sea off the coast of Yorkshire and is widely regarded as one of the most significant naval engagements of the Revolutionary War by the Americans. During the engagement, Jones' ship Bonhomme Richardforced the surrender of the British HMS Serapisunder the command of Captain Sir Richard Pearson in close combat. Provenance: From Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge's sale of the Collection of Arthur, Viscount Dillon, F.S.A., July 1892, lot 783. Circulated collector tag with provenance notation included. Click here for certification details from PCGS.