To celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Franklin, Monnaie de Paris re-released a bronze medal originally struck in 1784 to honor him. This is a classically-styled medal with the allegorical figure of Genius pictured on the reverse.

This high relief medal is an official restrike of the original Benjamin Franklin medal, minted at the Paris Mint. The obverse honors Franklin the man, while the reverse notes his accomplishments. Originals of this medal are truly rare and, in excellent condition, sell for thousands of dollars at auction. Even damaged or corroded examples are worth a minimum of several hundred dollars.

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Obverse
The obverse features a high-relief, bust portrait of Franklin, facing left. The legend around the edge reads, “Benj. Franklin Natus Boston. XVII Jan. MDCCVI”. This translates as, “Benjamin Franklin, Born in Boston, January 17, 1706”. Along the bottom of the portrait (barely visible in the pictures because of the high relief of the effigy, but clear in person) is the artist’s signature, “Dupre F.” (Dupre Fecit), meaning, “Dupré made it.”

Reverse
A nude youth stands front and center on the reverse. His wings (symbolizing speed of thought) and the flame over his head (symbolizing intellectual brightness) indicate that this is the allegorical figure of Genius. Behind him is a classical landscape, with a bolt of lightning from a thundercloud striking a lightning rod (one of many of Franklin’s inventions) on top of a Greek or Roman temple. A broken crown and scepter lie on the ground. Genius’ left hand points to the shattered symbols of the monarchy, while his right hand indicates the lightning.

The Latin legend, “Eripuit Coelo Fulmen / Sceptrum Que Tyrannis” means “He stole lightning from the sky / and the scepter from tyrants.” This quote is attributed to French financier A.J. Turgot. In the exergue is the legend “Sculpsit et Dicavit Aug. Dupre Anno MDCCLXXXIV”, which means “Engraved and Dedicated by Augustin Dupré, in the year 1784.” The Paris Mint mark is also in the exergue.

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Ben Franklin and France
In 1776, Benjamin Franklin was dispatched to France as an envoy of the Continental Congress. He became a real celebrity in Paris, in part because of his notoriety as the scientist who had proved that lightning was actually a massive electrical discharge, and in part because of his wit and erudition. While in Paris he succeeded in obtaining French assistance for the Colonies in the revolution against the British.

In 1781, a combined Franco-American army under George Washington and the Comte de Rochambeau linked up with Lafayette’s army in Virginia and laid siege to the British army under General Cornwallis. Cut off from resupply by sea by the French fleet under Admiral de Grasse, Cornwallis surrendered and the American colonies were free!

Ben Franklin helped draft the resulting Treat of Paris, and continued to live in France until 1785. In 1784 the French government under King Louis XVI decided to honor this larger than life figure who had captured the French imagination, so medal was commissioned by famed artist and engraver Augustin Dupré.

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About the Artist
Augustin Dupré (1748-1833) was the foremost medalist of his day. As a young man he was an apprentice in the making of firearms, where, among other skills, he learned engraving. In 1768 he moved to Paris, where he worked under an engraver and die sinker, soon becoming recognized for his own expertise.

Dupré focused upon medallic art, and in time achieved great fame. His works include portraits of Louis XVI, Napoleon, Benjamin Franklin, John Paul Jones, and other famous personages. In 1791 he was named as the engraver general at the Paris Mint, which at the time was known worldwide for the incredible artistry of its medals. It was natural that during and after the American Revolution, the Paris Mint would be the source for medals of the fledgling United States, as there was little capacity in the colonies for engraving and, in particular, for striking large-format pieces.

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Packaging
This medal is presented in the traditional, blue Monnaie de Paris gift box. A clear plastic display stand is included.