France 1-oz Gold Washington Diplomatic Medal PCGS GEM PROOF no COA

Washington's Diplomatic medal!

Shortly after George Washington took office as our first president, he approved a special medal that was to be given as a gift to diplomats when they returned to their home countries after visiting the United States. The medal shows America as an Indian Princess, offering the bounty of the New World to Europe, represented by the Roman god Mercury. The reverse of the medal features the Great Seal of the United States. The medal was designed by the most famous artisan of the day - Augustin Dupré - the man who also designed the Libertas Americana medal for Benjamin Franklin in 1783. Two examples of Washington's medal were struck in gold by the Monnaie de Paris, the Paris Mint. The dies were then sent to the United States, where they mysteriously disappeared. The original Monnaie de Paris dies have never resurfaced, so no more examples of Washington's original Diplomatic Medal have ever been struck - until now!

To celebrate this historic masterpiece, the Monnaie de Paris has officially restruck this 2013 Washington's Diplomatic Medal in precious proof gold and silver. It's the first time the mint has struck it in proof condition, but also the first time it's been minted in silver. Each is graded Gem Proof by Professional Coin Graded Service (PCGS) and is archivally sealed with a special label in an acrylic holder, preserving its provenance forever.