1979 Whitley Mint John Paul Jones Commemorative Gold 1 oz Unc

Extremely rare high relief 1979 John Paul Jones gold medallion, 1 troy oz .999 fine gold. Number 127 of 1,000, in original wood display box with parchment scroll.

Struck to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Flamborough Head between Jones' Bonhomme Richard and HMS Serapis, on September 23rd, 1779.

This beautiful high-relief medallion was minted at a small mint operated by Harold Whitley of Darby, Montana in 1979.

Obverse features John Paul Jones facing left, with the Bonhomme Richard in the background, inscriptions "JOHN PAUL JONES" above, "1779 200th ANNIVERSARY 1979" below, with the famous quote "I have not yet begun to fight". The reverse depicts the two ships locked in battle, with "BONHOMME RICHARD VS. SERAPIS" inscribed above and "SEPTEMBER 23 1779" below.

Incused around the rim of the coin is "WHITLEY MINT, HAMILTON, MT NO 127 OF 1000 ONE OUNCE .999+ F. GOLD"

We have seen a few of these John Paul Jones commemoratives, but this is only the second we have seen with the box (crafted to resemble an old treasure chest) and a parchment scroll tucked into the lid detailing the significance of the coin. Perhaps all of them were sold with the "chest" and scroll but after many years we usually just see the medallion by itself.

Additional pictures on request.

Mr Whitley received a trademark for the name "American Eagle" in 1981, 5 years before the US Mint started producing theirs. It is unknown if they had to pay any royalties as the trademark status shows that the the trademark was abandoned in 1983.