| Description |
'1776' Washington - Franklin Mint Medal Beaver Reverse, Engraved by John Reich MS64 Red and Brown, Julian CM-4Bronze, plain edge, 40 mm. An early American effort by noted engraver John Reich, whose redesign of U.S. coinage soon followed. Julian CM-4 through CM-8 are often called Sansom medals, since their issue was sponsored by Philadelphia businessman Joseph Sansom. The dies were finished in 1805, but intermittent strikes continued some years thereafter. The obverse presents half-length busts left of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. The busts overlap, with Washington in front. The reverse depicts an American beaver gnawing through a British oak tree. A splendid near-Gem of this expertly engraved high-relief variety. Well struck, mark-free, and with ample faded peach-gold color. The portrait high-points are steel-gray. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Auctions 11/2018 (Newman XI), lot15046 (realized $5520).
Heritage link: http://www.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=1283&lotIdNo=11738 |
