2023 Treason – 2 Troy Ounce Silver Round

Patriotic symbols take on a darker meaning in Intaglio Mint’s 2023 Treason design. A figure wearing Liberty’s crown and draped in the stars and stripes turns his weapon against Liberty herself. Struck in 2 troy ounces of .999 fine silver, the round presents a forceful allegory of betrayal through the visual language of political satire.

Liberty’s Symbols Turned Against Her

The composition builds its message through contrast. The seated figure possesses the outward signs of national identity, yet his actions contradict the ideals those signs ordinarily express. Lady Liberty, caught in his grasp, still holds her torch. The image can be read as a warning about the distance between displaying the symbols of freedom and protecting freedom itself.

This is the strength of allegory: an abstract idea becomes a scene that can be read through figures, gestures and familiar objects. The title supplies the theme, while the crown, flag, sword and torch carry the story across the face of the round.

The Meaning of the Torch

The Statue of Liberty’s formal name is Liberty Enlightening the World. Dedicated in New York Harbor on October 28, 1886, the monument uses its raised torch to represent enlightenment. Treason draws on that recognizable symbolism but reverses the triumphant pose. Liberty’s weakened grip gives the torch a different emotional role: the ideal remains present even as its bearer is threatened.

Design Details

Obverse: Treason is seated wearing Lady Liberty’s crown, with the stars and stripes draped over his body. A sword in his right hand pierces the chest of Lady Liberty, who is held in his grasp and weakly clasps her torch.

Reverse: A large Intaglio Mint logo is surrounded by a plain border reading “TWO TROY OUNCES” above and “.999 FINE SILVER,” with the year “2023” flanking the design.

Specifications

• Weight: 2 troy ounces
• Purity: .999 fine silver
• Diameter: 39mm
• Thickness: approximately 6mm
• Edge: Reeded
• Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated

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