The obverse of a diplomatic medal given out twice in 1792 to a pair of former french ambassadors to the united states, then discontinued. It was actually ordered in 1790 but not finished until early 1792. The medal was done by augustin dupré, a leading engraver in paris at the time. Secretary of state thomas jefferson suggested the basic design in his initial letter; dupré chose to use it. The design is described as:[1]
to peace and commerce. To the left, america, personified as an indian queen, seated, facing the right, and holding in her left hand the cornucopia of abundance (peace), welcomes mercury (commerce) to her shores, and with her right calls his attention to her products, packed ready for transportation. In the background, to the right, the sea, and a ship under full sail. Exergue: iv jul. Mdcclxxvi. Date: 1792 (original die); 1878 (etching)..
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