Independence of the United States

Independence of the United States - Benjamin Franklin

This year, the Benjamin Franklin and Winged Genius medal is being honoured. Benjamin Franklin was an American polymath, known for his contributions as an inventor, scientist, and diplomat. As a Founding Father, he was notably involved in drafting the United States Declaration of Independence.

Emblematic coins

The obverse of this coin features a bust of Benjamin Franklin, inspired by the sculpture created by Jean-Antoine Houdon. The inscription around the edge reads: ‘Benjamin Franklin born in Boston 17 January 1706’. On the reverse, a winged genius pushing lightning towards a lightning rod is depicted in the centre, a reference to Benjamin Franklin's invention of the lightning rod. He walks alongside a broken sceptre and crown. Along the crown, we can read ‘He wrested the lightning from the heavens and the sceptre from the tyrants’.