Catalog Reference

A.J.N., II, 65
V.L. Sup. II, 576

One of the more elusive entries in the Dutch-American Betts medal series, this is also one of the most enduringly popular as the first medallic rendition of an American flag. A goddess representing America stands with a swallowtail 13-star American flag and extends an olive branch to a seated figure representing the Netherlands (though looking suspiciously like Britannia) with a liberty cap atop a pole behind her. The obverse legend is from the Aeneid, the reverse is a rhyming quatrain commemorating the new Dutch-American friendship. When encountered, this medal is usually found in grades lower than those encountered on Holtzhey’s medals of this era, which suggests the primary audience for this medal was people without medal cabinets at home. This is the first medallic image of the American flag, also features a reverse inscribed with a poem, here translated to English, which demonstrates the close ties we have had with Holland since the very first years of our Republic: "Hail to you, Americans, who have fought out your freedom. All Netherlands accepts your friendship. God's grace unites two free lands, to mutual good, through solid ties."