In 1784, after the Americans and the British signed the Treaty of Paris, which won our independence, Augustin Dupré designed and executed a medal in honor of Benjamin Franklin. Next to George Washington, Franklin was the most important player in the American Revolution. He convinced the French to aid us, which made much of the difference.

The most important military action the French contributed to our cause was the blockade by the French Navy, which kept the British Navy from relieving Cornwallis. Cornwallis had no choice but to surrender, which marked the war’s last major engagement.

Contains 2 oz. Troy of .999 Fine Silver

Obverse: portrait of Franklin-based upon the bust made by Houdon in 1778. It is surrounded by the words Benj. Franklin Natus Boston, XVII Jan. MDCCVI (Franklin’s date of birth).

Reverse: Featuring a winged genius Franklin pointing with his right hand at the lightning bolt that is striking a temple protected by a lightning rod. The lightning rod was one of Franklin’s many inventions. Franklin points to a crown with his left hand, and Scepter dashed on the ground. This is surrounded by the words “Eripuit coelo fulmen sceptrumque tyrannis” (He snatched the lightning from the heavens and the scepter from tyrants.) At the bottom is in three lines, “Sculpsit et dicavit | Aug. Dupre anno | MDCCLXXXIV.