'1779' (1863) Captain John Paul Jones Bronze Naval Medal US Mint Copy Dies Betts-568

This 19th-century US Mint bronze copy (struck circa 1863) of the original 1779 Comitia Americana medal (Betts-568) is a magnificent tribute to the celebrated naval commander Captain John Paul Jones. The obverse features a sharply sculpted, right-facing bust of Jones in his Continental Navy uniform, encircled by the Latin inscription "JOANNI PAVLO JONES CLASSIS PRAEFECTO." with the authority "COMITIA AMERICANA." proudly displayed along the lower rim. The reverse showcases a masterful, chaotic engraving of the historic naval engagement between the Bonhomme Richard and the HMS Serapis, depicting the towering ships locked in close combat amidst heavy smoke, shattered rigging, and sailors struggling in the water. This dramatic scene is framed by the upper legend "HOSTIVM NAVIBVS CAPTIS AVT FVGATIS" and a detailed exergue reading "AD ORAM SCOTIAE XXIII SEPT. MDCCLXXVIIII." marking the date of the September 23, 1779 victory off the coast of Scotland. Struck in bronze and exhibiting a rich, glossy mahogany patina, this medal beautifully preserves the intricate artistry of the original Paris Mint dies.