M002
Bronze, UNC, Charles Barber (after Agustin Dupre); Mintage = 86
67 mm (2-5/8”), 176 grams
HISTORY: The original dies for the Diplomatic medal were executed by Augustin Dupré (1748–1833) in 1790 and 1791. They were intended to be presented to certain diplomats. Joseph Florimond Loubat (1831–1927) states that two of these medals were presented by Thomas Jefferson, then secretary of state under President George Washington, to Anne-César de La Luzerne (Marquis de la Luzerne) (1741–1791) and to Elénor-François-Élie (Marquis de Moustier) (1751–1817). Charles Barber (1840–1917), working at the U.S. Mint, prepared copy dies of this medal from lead proofs of the original medal sent from France.
OBVERSE: America, in the guise of an Indian princess, with accoutrements of commerce (bales) and plenty (a cornucopia), welcoming commerce (Mercury) to our shores. In the background, the sea and a ship under full sail: “TO PEACE AND COMMERCE.” It is signed “DUPRE. F.” The exergue reads, “IV JUL. MDCCLXXVI. C. BARBER. 1876.”
REVERSE: Thirteen stars breaking through a cloud above the Great Seal of the United States. Eagle with breast shield clutching an olive branch in one claw and 13 spears in the other. In its beak a scroll inscribed with the motto, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (“One Out of Many”) and “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
