1790 AR Medal GW-10, The Manly Medal MS(PCGS#842158)

Winter 2022 U.S. Coins Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

2007

等级

SP58

价格

144,071

详细说明

Stunning Original Manly Medal in Silver With Period Fitted Clamshell Case 1790 Manly Medal. Original. Musante GW-10, Baker-61. Silver. SP-58 (PCGS). 48.2 mm. 850.9 grains. An incredible medal. One might well stop right there, if this were not such an historic, rare and desired piece. Lovely pearlescent gray silver dominates the palette, while nuances of mottled blue, violet, green and rose iridescence can be detected throughout the protected recesses on both sides. The design is gently outlined by this toning, and the legends and obverse rims are similarly highlighted. The reverse, being in generally lower relief that did not allow for larger air pockets between the recesses and the surface of the case, toned a bit more evenly, though there are still a couple of areas that exhibit greater depth of color. Fairly well struck for an original Manly medal and clearly impressed upon a cast flan, with tiny casting imperfections remaining in the otherwise smooth surface in places. The obverse detail is crisp, as usually seen. The reverse is softer, showing signs of multiple impressions, also as typical, but the reverse legend is complete and sharper throughout than seen on many Manly medals. Pleasantly full rims frame the designs of both sides, while the fields reveal tantalizing traces of reflective flash. A couple of tiny marks may be detected under close study, but none is serious in the least. This is likely due to the long-term protection provided by what seems to be an original period clamshell case. The case is constructed of thin wood strips, coiled and glued to loosely fit the diameter of the medal. This was finished with interior paper rims to tighten the fit, and green silk was added in both sides of the interior as a soft bed for the precious contents. The exterior appears as Morocco leather, but is likely a heavy, textured paper, finished with a sealant to give it durability and the gloss of tanned leather. The brass hinge and eye hook clasp are intact and functional. The case itself is a remarkable survivor and seems to have served its purpose handsomely. The Manly medal is among the classics of the Washington portrait series, essential for any serious collection of medals produced in honor of the first President. Indeed, it is believed to have been the very first such medal struck in the United States, and the effort was deemed respectable enough that documents were produced and signed by prominent figures attesting to the quality and trueness of the likeness of Washington. At least three such original documents survive, one of which was reproduced in our May 2004 sale of the Ford Collection, Part II. It appeared for sale in our August 2021 sale, and realized $9,000, more than most Manly medals. The documents are reported to variously bear the signatures of the governor of New York, mayor of New York City, governor of Pennsylvania, Lafayette, and other notables. Nearly all Manly medals offered are struck in brass or, possibly another cupric alloy (brass being quite specifically an alloy of copper and tin), while impressions in silver are great rarities. Only the most advanced collections will include an original in silver. We are aware of just nine examples of this medal in silver, with two at the ANS. As a rule, many years pass between offerings. We were fortunate to have one of these in our March 2021 sale, but at that time it had been nearly 17 years since we last sold an original Manly medal in silver. The medal sold in our August 2021 sale realized $15,600. While important as a silver original, it was among those that had the name of the publisher, Manly, tooled from the reverse. No one knows who did this or why, but it is a feature of many original Manly medals, in silver, brass and white metal. We have not seen this removal on any of the reissues of the 1850s. As such, it is clear that it was done early, likely near or at the time of the original distribution of these medals. It is common enough to warrant acceptance of any so-tooled Manly medal as a distinct and collectable variety. Still, pieces like this, without such alteration, are clearly the best and most desired, and this is easily among the three finest known, though it is tough to know which one would rank as the finest without having them side-by-side. That sold in our May 1998 sale and the recently sold Donald Partrick specimen are the other two contenders for finest. The first auction appearance of an original silver Manly medal we are aware of took place in England, at Mr. Sotheby's house. That piece was sold in March of 1819, as property of James Bindley, Esq. It realized 18 shillings but was group-lotted along with a 1795 silver dollar and a silver Myddleton token! Provenance: From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Fred Baldwin, June 1965; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack’s) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part II, May 2004, lot 68; Lawrence R. Stack Collection, November 2006. Click here for 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. Click here to see Coins in Motion.[“Coins]