Benjamin Franklin

The obverse bears bust of Franklin, left. Around, BENJ. FRANKLIN NATUS BOSTON. XVII JAN. / MDCCVI; signed on truncation, DUPRE. F

The reverse bears nude winged genius, broken crown and scepter at his feet, lightning striking towards rotunda at left. Around, ERIPUIT COELO FULMEN - SCEPTRUM QUE TYRANNIS; in exergue, SCULPSIT ET DICAVIT / AUG. DUPRE ANNO / MDCCLXXXIV

The latin legend around the reverse can be translated to "He seized lightning from the heavens and the scepter from tyrants." The legend in the exergue translates to "Engraved and dedicated by Augustin Dupré in the year 1784"

Franklin had been sent to Paris in 1776 to negotiate an alliance with France and had quickly become a hugely popular figure. Adams and Bentley conclude that this medal was sponsored by a private friend (or group of friends) to honor him.

A second medal, also engraved by Dupré, was issued two years later. Both medals share the same obverse die and the same reverse inscription, but where the earlier medal features the winged genius on the reverse, the later one merely features an oak wreath. That later version was sponsored by Louis XVI.

As with many of the early American medals that were originally struck in France, there are numerous later restrikes.  I do not yet have the expertise to distinguish an early original from a later restrike. Maybe someone with the requisite experience can help out. If I'm correct, this medal is usually referred to as Betts-619.

The medal's obverse bears seated Franklin, facing half right. Around, NATIONAL EXPORT EXPOSITION

The reverse bears wreath and legend, AWARDED / BY THE / NATIONAL / EXPORT EXPOSITION / TO / (engraved Partrick Carter & Wilkins) / ON RECOMMENDATION OF THE / FRANKLIN INSTITUTE / PHILADELPHIA / 1899

The National Export Exposition ran from September 14, 1899 to November 30, 1899 and was intended to provide

It was supported by Congress, various Chambers of Commerce, Boards of Trade, and other corporate interests, as well as the city of Philadelphia and private citizens. In essence, it was an international industrial fair to demonstrate American goods to an international audience, but also to give American manufacturers easier access to international manufacturing technology.

The circular medal measures 50.7mm in diameter and was struck in silver by the August C. Frank Company of Philadelphia.

The plaquette's obverse bears draped, nude child on divan, printing press in background, brazier in foreground at left; two conjoined medals bearing Benjamin Franklin and Thomas L. De Vinne at right. At top, AND THE LIGHT CAME; at bottom right, DEGREE OF MASTER / OF ARTS CONFERRED BY / COLVMBIA AND YALE / VNIVERSITIES 1901; signed at left, V.D.BRENNER

The reverse bears four lines of legend in beaded and outlined border, · FRANKLIN · BIRTHDAY · DINNER · / · JANUARY · 17 · 1902 · / · TYPOTHETÆ · OF · THE · CITY · / · OF · NEW · YORK ·

The typothetae [of the City of New York] were the master type setters who took understandable pride in their craft and chose to celebrate a dinner with two great Americans as the "patron saints" of their profession: Benjamin Franklin and Theodore Low de Vinne.  Benjamin Franklin requires no introduction, but Theodore Low de Vinne might be a less familiar name.  De Vinne was a master typographer and typesetter who became famous for his "Century Roman" typeface and for being a co-founder of the Grolier Club.  He was also a founder and the first president of the United Typothetae of America, a predecessor of the Printing Industries of America.

The plaquette was struck in bronze and measures 64mm x 56.9mm.  No mintage is reported.

References:   Marqusee 230

The plaquette's obverse bears portrait of old Benjamin Franklin facing right. Across top, AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASS'N; signed diagonally down under truncation, ANDREW C. McHENCH Sc.

The reverse is inscibed: 1956 / CHICAGO CONVENTION / PRESENTED FOR / EXCELLENCE / OF EXHIBIT / FIRST AWARD / HEROLD DERMODY

The plaquette is based on a much earlier design by Andrew McHench. Clyde C. Trees of the Medallic Art Company acquired the design in 1931.  Starting in 1956 it was used as as stock medal.

References:   MACo 1931-030

References:   Cal FM-1968

References:   Cal FM-1972