A Libertas Americana was showcased on season 15 of the American reality television series Pawn Stars. It was sold for 150,000 dollars.[2]
History
The medal was originally conceived by Benjamin Franklin after being asked to create a monument in honor of the
Siege of Yorktown. Franklin outlined his idea in a letter to
Robert Livingston on 4 March 1782.[3] The reverse design was further developed by Esprit-Antoine Gibelin and
Augustin Dupré.[4]
The coin was minted in copper, silver and a couple of gold. The gold medals were lost in the
French Revolution and were never found.
Design
The obverse of the medal features the goddess
Liberty. Beside her is a pole adorned with a
Phrygian cap. The reverse features the infant
Hercules representing the
United States being attacked by a
lion representing the
United Kingdom. The infant, who is shown strangling two snakes, is being protected by
Athena who represents
France.[4][5] The reverse includes the motto NON SINE DIIS ANIMOSUS INFANS, from
Horace's ode "Descende coelo", which translates to "The infant is not bold without the aide of the gods."
References
^"Colonials : Libertas Americana Medals". PCGS CoinFacts. Retrieved October 17, 2018. According to the historical record, the brainchild for the medal and its designs was none other than Benjamin Franklin.