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Obv: JOANNI PAVLO JONES CLASSIS PRAEFECTO. COMITIA AMERICANA. (THE AMERICAN CONGRESS TO JOHN PAUL JONES, COMMANDER OF THE FLEET) with bust to right. Rev: HOSTIVM NAVIBVS CAPTIS AVT FVGATIS (THE VESSELS OF THE ENEMY CAPTURED OR PUT TO FLIGHT) above scene of naval battle. AD ORAM SCOTIAE XXIII.SEPT.M.DCCXXVIIII (AT THE SHORE OF SCOTLAND, SEPTEMBER 23, 1779) in exergue.
Engraved by Augustin Dupre, in Paris. This medal reveals an exquisite design , with amazingly fine details of the warships on the reverse, especially the central ship with its multiple masts and sails. The surfaces are reflective and the motifs are reproduced in high relief, with razor-sharp definition. Rich copper-tan patina increases the enticing visual quality of the piece. A scarce, highly desirable specimen of the first naval medal authorized by Congress (originally struck in gold).
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