1832 AR Medal GW-130, Civic Procession MS(PCGS#659423)

Winter 2022 U.S. Coins Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

2135

等级

AU58

价格

13,560

详细说明

Choice 1832 Civic Procession in Silver 1832 Philadelphia Civic Procession Medal. Original. Musante GW-130, Baker-160. Silver. AU-58 (PCGS). 32.4 mm. 244.8 grains. A handsome unpierced specimen of this historic issue. Generous light silver gray remains on both sides, while soft golden brown and iridescent blue toning has begun to form on both sides. Slightly prooflike in the obverse fields, and sharply struck. The high rims of the obverse have largely protected the fields on this side, leaving most of the handling marks on the more vulnerable reverse, though aside from a few scattered and minor nicks, there is little to discuss in this regard. Struck in medal-turn orientation. The medals of the Gold and Silver Artificers are the best known of the 1832 memorial medals, as they are the most commonly seen. This is due to a large number of restrikes taken from the dies in the late 1850s, making the design seem unfairly ubiquitous. However, a silver original, as offered here, has always been something desired above and beyond the rest. It is rare and its specific purpose holds a degree of mystery. The originals in white metal (see next lot) were struck during the parade and tossed to spectators along the route, but silver ones would have been struck under more controlled circumstances and presumably designated for a select group. They may have been carried or worn by those operating the float, or gifted to the 13 marshals of the event, or both. This is but speculation, but we know that silver originals are rare, and they certainly had some distinctive purpose in February 1832. According to a notice in The United States Gazette, June 2, 1832, those responsible for the disposition of the banner and dies used by the Artificers had "deposited them in the Hall of the Franklin Institute for safe keeping." Additional information pertaining to this lot: 1832 Introduction 1832 marked the Centennial Anniversary of the birth of George Washington, and with his memory still very much alive more than three decades after his passing, celebrations were taken seriously. In Philadelphia, a massive Civic Procession was planned and executed. Even the newspapers in the city did not publish on February 23rd, as they were asked to not work on the day of the celebration, in honor of Washington-the day they would have otherwise prepared the 23rd's editions. The February 24, 1832, edition of Philadelphia's The United States Gazetteoffered these observations and commentaries on the events of the day, among others: "The hundredth birth day of Washington was celebrated on Wednesday throughout the United States, with pomp and circumstances suited to the character and claims of our country's father, according to the feelings and view of citizens. Those who conscientiously avoid public parades, felt undoubtedly grateful for the benefits received, no less sensible of the claims for deep and lasting respect, which the services of Washington had upon them. "Philadelphia, on the occasion, manifested unusual display to give emphatic expression to feelings of love for the character, and gratitude for the services, of Washington. "For several days previous to the twenty second, the note of preparation was heard in every part of the city. The daily papers were crowded with notices of meetings of different trades, professions, and companies, for the purpose of considering the best mode of celebrating the occasion; committees of arrangement were formed, and each vied with the rest in a laudable and friendly emulation, to testify his respect for the great character whose birth day they were about to celebrate. Meanwhile, artists and artisans of every description were busy in the preparation of various insignia for the occasion…" "…About 9 o'clock A.M. the different trades, fire companies, and military bands, were seen organizing in their respective places of rendezvous-and the busy movement of citizens with the badges of the day, and the different insignia of their craft and their official rank, was highly interesting and enlivening, while cheerful activity beamed in every face, and showed itself in the bouyancy [sic] of every step…" "…The streets through which the procession passed, were crowded with people, anxiously gazing at the most imposing spectacle that has ever been exhibited in Philadelphia." It was estimated that 10,000 to 15,000 people participated in the procession which was between four and five miles in length and lasted just several hours (accounts vary). The few medals that follow, along with the unique GW-91 offered earlier in this sale, are artifacts that relate directly to this occasion, and are among the few such medals that can be assigned a very specific time, place and purpose. Provenance: From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Purchased from an unnamed seller, via Stack’s, January 2007. Click herefor certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.