Benjamin Franklin medallic portrait uniface copper shell
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Late 18th century
This late 18th-century uniface medallic shell features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, executed in copper via the electrotype process. The object is designed as a decorative element, intended for application to the cover of a period object such as a snuff box.
Measuring 45mm in diameter, the shell exhibits a lustrous finish with red and light brown surface coloration. The obverse displays a high-relief profile bust of Franklin, recognized as the work of an expert engraver. The surrounding inscription reads "ERIPUIT COELO FULMEN SCEPTRUMQUE TIRANNIS". This particular example is categorized as a Fuld FR.ME.NL.9 type. Notably, this specific design is not known to exist as a standard struck medal, emphasizing the specialized production method employed to create this shell.
The piece displays fine detail in the portrait, reflecting high-quality die work, and remains in a well-preserved, uncirculated state with distinct eye appeal for historical medallic collections.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Diameter
- 45mm
- Material
- copper
Technical characteristics
- Format
- uniface
- Production method
- electrotype
Design
- Inscription
- ERIPUIT COELO FULMEN SCEPTRUMQUE TIRANNIS
- Obverse portrait
- Benjamin Franklin
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.