(ca. 1777) Medal Betts-544, GW-1, Voltaire, BN MS(PCGS#596347)
(ca. 1777) Medal Betts-544, GW-1, Voltaire, BN MS (PCGS#596347)
The Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins
- 拍卖行
- Stack's Bowers
- 批号
- 1041
- 等级
- MS64BN
- 价格
- 19,857
- 详细说明
- Undated (ca. 1777) Voltaire Medal. Musante GW-1, Baker-78B. Bronze. MS-64 BN (NGC). 40.5 mm. An immensely handsome specimen of this classic issue. Glossy deep mahogany-brown surfaces with considerable intermingling of olive patina. Roughness along the rims from 8 to 12 o'clock on the obverse, 12 to 4 o'clock on the reverse is as made, as is some light pitting in the center of the reverse and a tiny pit in the upper left obverse field. There are no marks or other blemishes of note, and the strike is sharply executed with crisp detail throughout the design. Evidence of double striking is present at the peripheral legends on both sides for those who care to search for it. Struck from a later die state with gentle buckling in the obverse, a small rim cud near 7 o'clock and the frequently seen spalling at the central reverse, although the cud is partially obscured by the aforementioned roughness to the obverse rim. Long considered the first Washington portrait medal, though the portrait is representative only and clearly not an attempt at Washington's true visage, this medal is of prime importance for inclusion in any collection of Washingtoniana. This example is a pleasure to study and would be suitable for the finest of collections. Click here for certification details from NGC.