2004 Libertas Americana Silver, NGC PF64 UCAM. This near-Gem Ultra Cameo proof 2004 Libertas Americana restrike from the Paris Mint has excellent cameo contrast. White satiny devices float on black mirrors creating the effect and showing the pieces complete originality. The surfaces are extremely clean for the grade with no visible hairlines or contact marks. As expected, the strike is very strong with full details on Libertys hair, cheek, and the design elements of the reverse.
 
The Libertas Americana medal was engraved in Paris in 1782 at the behest of Benjamin Franklin, who suggested its motifs and mottoes. The French artist Esprit-Antoine Gibelin made the sketches, and Augustin Dupr did the engraving. The obverse shows Liberty facing left with LIBERTAS AMERICANA above and the date 4 JUIL 1776 below a double horizontal line. Behind her is a liberty cap on a pole. The reverse shows the infant Hercules who symbolizes the United States, in his cradle strangling two serpents. His nurse, Minerva who represents France, shields the infant from a lion, Great Britain.

The present piece is an excellent silver restrike from the Paris Mint made in 2004. Market values for original medals are well over $100,000.