[Post-Revolutionary Medal] EXPLICATION DE LA MEDAILLE FRAPPEE PAR LES AMERICAINS EN 1782. Upper portion of the engraving shows the obverse and reverse of a gold medal designed by Benjamin Franklin and Augustin Dupre, with an explanation in French in the engraving’s lower portion. Obverse shows the goddess of liberty with unbound hair facing west (toward the new nation), with a pileus and wand behind her. Reverse shows a Roman figure (France) in combat against a British leopard overran infant Hercules, who represents the United States in its infancy. Below baby Hercules are 2 serpents which represent the British forces who were taken prisoner at what Dupre recognized as the Revolutionary War’s 2 most important battles: Saratoga and Yorktown, where British generals Burgoyne and Cornwallis were defeated. The reverse also provides the dates of Saratoga and Yorktown (17 Oct. 1777 and 19 Oct. 1781). Gold medals were presented to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, and French ministers were given silver versions. The design appeared on textiles, in books, and on coins, including the obverse of the penny of 1793. (See David Hackett Fischer. “Liberty and Freedom: A Visual History of America’s Founding Ideas.” Pp. 137-139.)
Below lower border: “Dessine et Grave d’apres la Medaille de Dupre par J. B. Bradel, Citoyen-de St. Malo.” Lower margin consists of a dedication “A Son Excellence Monsieur Franklin, Ministre Plenipotentiare des Etats-Unis de l’Amerique a la Cour de France…” At outer edge of border: 8” x 6 ¼”. Within matting: 9 ¼” x 6 ½”. Loss affecting left portion of the lower 2 lines of the dedication in lower margin (partially repaired). Minor foxing, light toning. Tipped to backing with adhesive near corners of verso; short tear slightly within center of upper and lower border.