Medal Commemorating Dutch Recognition of the United States

1782

Place madeAmsterdam, The Netherlands, Europe

Silver

Overall (diameter): 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm)

INV.10670

This medal hailed John Adams' arrival in the Netherlands as U.S. envoy. The face of the medal is inscribed “Libera Soror,” or “A Free Sister,” and depicts Holland on the left as an armed woman and the United States on the right as a Native American woman. Holland uses a staff to place a Phrygian Cap upon America's head, while America holds a shield bearing thirteen stars and rests a foot upon the head of a chained lion. The reverse features the unicorn of the arms of England, prostrate with its horn broken against a rock cliff. The inscription reads, “Tyrannis virtute repulsa / sub Galliae auspiciis,” which translates to “Tyranny repelled by valor / under the auspices of France.”

DescriptionSilver struck medal commemorating Dutch recognition of the United States; the obverse shows armed figure of Holland, at left, shaking hands with Native American, at right, above whose head Holland is holding a pole with the cap of Liberty on top; at center is altar with burning fire; sun rising above; legend: "LIBERA SOROR."; inscription in exergue: "SOLEMNI DECR. AGN./19 APR.MDCCLXXXII." Reverse depicts unicorn amongst rocky landscape with his horn broken and crown encircling his throat; legend above: "TYRANNIS VIRTUTE REPULSA"; inscription in exergue: "SUB GALLIAE/AUSPICIIS."

MarkingsInscription: reverse, below exergual line, at right: "I.G.HOLTZHEY FEC."

ClassificationsMEDALS