(1777) Medal Bronze Franklin of Philadelphia, Betts-547 John Reich, Greenslet-40, SP63 Brown PCGS....

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(1777) Franklin of Philadelphia Medal
Bronze, Betts-547, SP63 Brown
Very Rare in All Grades

(1777) Medal Bronze Franklin of Philadelphia, Betts-547 John Reich, Greenslet-40, SP63 Brown PCGS. Ex: Ford. 45.3 mm. 632.4 grains. The obverse displays a three-quarter portrait of Benjamin Franklin in a turban, B. FRANKLIN OF PHILADELPHIA L.L.D & F.R.S. surrounding. The reverse shows a tree being struck by lightning, NON IRRITA FULMINA CURA surrounding with the date 1777 (written as J777) in the exergue. Betts translates the reverse inscription: "He cares not for the ineffectual thunderbolt." The obverse abbreviations recognize Franklin as a Fellow of the Royal Society (F.R.S.) and as an honorary Doctor of Laws, Legum Doctor. (The repetition of L in L.L.D. refers to both civil and canon law.)

This rather unique piece in the continuum of 18th century Franklin medallic portraits has been considered rare from even 19th century numismatic writings, and today it remains so with most scholars suggesting numbers known that equate to at least R.6 on the Sheldon scale. Most known are worn or impaired, but this piece -- retaining significant red -- is among the finest. Burgundy-brown patina comprises the majority of the glossy surfaces' aesthetic, while distinct marks are largely absent.

The origins of this medal are not fully understood. No engraver's initials appear on the piece. However, on page 4 of his Medallic Washington, vol. 1, Neil Musante writes that despite bearing the date of 1777, "it was actually attributed to Wedgwood and Bentley as early as 1775 in a book by Thomas Percival entitled A Father's Instructions to His Children ... In describing the motto on the reverse, Percival leaves no room for doubt that he is describing Betts 547." In the book, on page 187, Percival mentions "a medallion of Dr. Franklin," and continues on the next page with the "motto round the figure, UNHURT AMIDST THE WAR OF ELEMENTS ..." The footnote spanning the two pages reads, "Made by the author's very ingenious friends Messrs. Wedgwood and Bentley; whose improvements in the fine arts do honour to this age and nation."

Many portraits of Franklin, in not only medallic but printed form, were created in Europe, especially France, during the American Revolution, largely embodying admiration for or ascribing honor to the man. Franklin himself wrote to family and friends about such portraits on at least a few occasions, noting how prominent his likeness had become. Many such likenesses depicted him not in his actual garb but in symbolic caps, such as the bonnet de peau on the Nini medallion, or the velvet turban on the present piece. The portrait, reverse motif, and legends of this medal indicate perhaps an academic purpose as opposed to a revolutionary one. In the June 2008 MCA Advisory, Tony Lopez proposed a punch-link connection between the turban Franklin piece and the 1778 Washington Voltaire, 1777 Chevalier D'Eon, and 1776 David Hume medals, suggesting the same maker.

Musante notes:

The Franklin and Voltaire medals have several letter punches in common. The d'Èon medal bears the same cryptic date as the Franklin and was probably struck at the same time. There is also a known version of the Voltaire medal struck over a d'Èon medal, and the portrait on the Death of David Hume medal is nearly identical to the Washington portrait on the so-called Voltaire medal ... All of these similarities indicate that the four medals, at the very least, originated in the same shop.

Interestingly, it has been conjectured that the Franklin of Philadelphia medals may have been used as tokens to gain admission to Franklin himself during periods of his residency in France. That would account for the light wear seen on most examples. This extremely attractive medal, with its three-quarter portrait of Franklin wearing a velvet turban, will be a highlight of any collection related to the history of the American Revolution.
Ex: New Netherlands Coin Company (1/23/1963); John J. Ford, Jr.; John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV (Stack's, 5/2006), lot 337.

Coin Index Numbers: (PCGS# 518708)

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