Benjamin Franklin's Libertas Americana Medal Gets Modern Restrike for US 250th
On May 26, 2026, the Paris Mint will unveil a commemorative medal drawing inspiration from Benjamin Franklin's 1783 Libertas Americana design, honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States. This new piece highlights the figures of Lady Liberty and Minerva, based on representations found in a monument located in New York. The release aligns with the “Hidden Treasures: 250 Years of Franco-American Luxury Stories” exhibition, taking place in New York City from May 26 to May 31, organized by Comité Colbert. Bénédicte Épinay, Comité Colbert's president, emphasized the emotional bond forged between the two nations.
Key facts
- Benjamin Franklin commissioned the Libertas Americana medal in the early 1780s to honor American and French allies in the Revolutionary War.
- The medal was designed by Franklin with French artists Augustin Dupré and Esprit-Antoine Gibelin.
- The obverse features Lady Liberty with flowing hair, symbolizing action and labor.
- The reverse shows Minerva (France) shielding infant Hercules (America) from a lion (Britain), referencing victories at Saratoga (1777) and Yorktown (1781).
- The Latin inscription reads 'Non Sine Diis Animosus Infans' ('The courageous child is not without the aid of the gods').
- The medals were struck by the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint) in 1783.
- Only two gold medals were made, for Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, both lost during the French Revolution.
- The Paris Mint is releasing a new restrike on May 26, 2026, updating the design with the Statue of Liberty.
- The new medal coincides with the exhibition 'Hidden Treasures: 250 Years of Franco-American Luxury Stories' in New York City, May 26–31.
- The exhibition is organized by Comité Colbert, led by Bénédicte Épinay.
Entities
Artists
- Benjamin Franklin
- Augustin Dupré
- Esprit-Antoine Gibelin
- Ellen Feingold
- Patrick McMahon
- Bénédicte Épinay
- Tina Isaac-Goizé
- Christian Thorsberg
Institutions
- Smithsonian magazine
- National Museum of American History
- American Philosophical Society
- National Numismatic Collection
- Museum of Fine Arts in Boston
- Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint)
- New York Times
- Comité Colbert
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Saratoga
- Yorktown
- Boston
- New York City
- United States