The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection - Part I



Medals & Tokens - Lots 2077-2138

Medals, Tokens, and Numismatica

On the pages to follow are many interesting medals, tokens, and other numismatic and related items, gathered by Harry Bass with the common thread that each is interesting to own. And, the specimens he gathered are, indeed, interesting.

The examination and description of these pieces at once has been a challenge and a pleasure. My gosh, your editor (QDB) became so excited that an early order of business (actually pleasure, as we have always considered our professional work to be in this category) will be to go to Stony Point, on the bank of the Hudson River, to see what it looks like today.

We have always enjoyed numismatic history, and thus it was a special delight to catalogue the many tokens and medals relating to collectors, dealers, and institutions. We have on hand enough information to write

on such luminaries as Elder and Mehl, and we came close to this regarding Elder in the listing of his medals, but we've settled for concise (in most instances) sketches.

Among the listings of certain pieces, the American Numismatic Society comes to the fore. I have enjoyed the Society for a long time (having been a member since 1958 and having devoted a recent book, American Numismatics Before the Civil War, 1760-1860, to the life of its primary founder, Augustus B. Sage). Certain medals pertaining to the Society are offered, including gold strikings that are unique in private hands. The Society has recently purchased a grand old building, with elegant interior appointments, at 140 William Street, New York City, and plans to move there within a year or two. A couple of months ago I was invited to go to the Society this spring and give a "lecture" (as they are called), but the pressure of the current Harry Bass, Jr. Collection catalogue intervened, and I declined, but asked for a rain check, suggesting that, if asked, I would address the Society at the grand opening of their new facility. In the meantime, I've been doing a bit of searching concerning William Street (see notes under Lot 2088).

Sooner or later, the devoted long-term numismatist comes 'round to the field that years ago Russell Rulau nicknamed exonumia, or items existing outside of regular numismatics; that is, collectible tokens, medals, and other things not issued under government authority. In my own experience as a collector of counterstamped copper cents and also of Civil War tokens, I often "retreat" to the tranquillity of these little pieces-items of insignificant (mostly) value-and enjoy not only the tokens themselves, but, even more important, their history. To me, history is not only important, it is everything. Pardon me if I've lingered too long on the descriptions of certain pieces such as the De Fleury and Libertas Americana medals in silver, but, to me, such items are what American numismatics is all about. Read the commentaries and see if you agree.

Credits: The editor (QDB), Frank Van Valen, and John Pack, catalogued many of the pieces, as did Mark Borckardt, Beth Piper, and Ray Merena (the Russian medals). To the editor fell the pleasant task of adding history and numismatic notes for certain pieces, after the work (basic descriptions, weights, measurements, etc.) had been done by others. Photography was by Douglas Plasencia. The entire Bowers and Merena organization helped with research and facilitation.

Early American Medals

Attributed to Betts

The following several medals are all interesting, and the De Fleury silver medal is of simply incredible importance, while the Libertas Americana medal represents one of the finest known impressions in an elusive metal of striking, silver. The "Safety at Sea" medal is likewise fascinating. Attributions are to C. Wyllys Betts, American Colonial History Illustrated by Contemporary Medals, New York, published after Betts' death by Scott Stamp and Coin Co., Ltd., 1894. Edited by William T.R. Marvin and Lyman H. Low.

The field of "Betts medals," as the series is known, is one of the most fascinating in American numismatics. Today, a new generation of enthusiasts is rediscovering the joy that such pieces had for our predecessors in the second half of the nineteenth century, when early medals were showcased front row center in auctions and exhibits, while American federal coins were secondary in emphasis.

Company of the West Indies

Betts-113, Silver

Enlarge

2077     Company of the West Indies medal, 1723. Betts-113. Silver. 115.5 grains. 30.3 mm. VF, reverse planchet defect. Lustrous gray surfaces with traces of gold and blue toning. Some prooflike quality is noted in the protected areas around the legends and devices. The noted reverse planchet defect is a long vertical lamination which bisects the reverse near the central mast of the ship.

The obverse depicts two male Indians, each in headdress, holding recurved-style bows at either side of a large crowned shield. Within the shield a river god reclines, leaning against a horn of plenty or cornucopia, fleurs de lys above, the latter being the symbol of France. In exergue, COMPAGNIE DES INDES. 1723, in two lines.

The reverse bears a large ship-of-the-line under full sail to left, mounting, perhaps, 18 carronades. The legend around reads SPEM AUGET OPES QUE PARAT (It increases hope and prepares wealth). In Numisma, September 1883, Ed. Frossard made special note of this issue.

The Company of the West Indies: The Compagnie des Indes Occidentales, was chartered or patented by King Louis XIV of France in 1664, granting the entrepreneurs "the right to trade all over the mainland of America, from the Amazon to the Orinoco, in Newfoundland and other northern islands, and in the country that extends from Canada to Virginia and Florida, also along the African coasts," etc. The arrangement lasted until 1719, when its interests were merged with the Compagnie d'Occident, which a year later became the Compagnie Perpétuelle des Indes, directed by one of the most famous figures in French financial history, John Law.

By way of related commentary, in the 17th and 18th centuries in particular, but extending to other eras as well, the monarchs of various countries extended to companies and bands of entrepreneurs certain privileges which allowed them to develop trade and in some instances even possess territories remote from the homeland. Perhaps the best known of these was the Honourable East India Company, patented in England in 1600, followed in 1602 in Holland by the Dutch East India Company. Such trading companies were invested with quasi-regal powers and formulated policies, enforced them, exacted punishments, etc. Charles II of England gave the Honourable East India Company the power to make war with non-Christian nations and to coin money. In 1773, the authority of the Honourable Company was reduced by an act of Parliament which gave that legislative body the power to review the Company's actions and policies. Successive renewals of the Company's charters resulted in further reduced power. By the 1830s the Honourable East India Company was primarily an administrative agency.

From New Netherlands Coin Co.'s sale of April 18-19, 1972, Lot 606, there noted as "only the second we have handled in 20 years."

"Safety at Sea"

"Indian Contemplating the Blessings of Britannia"

Betts-392

Believed ex Parish, cited by Betts

2078     Franco-American jeton, 1755. Betts-392. Silver. 224.5 grains. 35.1 mm. Prooflike Mint State. Toned a deep gray with highlights of gold, russet, and sea green. Reflective prooflike fields. Fewer than a dozen are known.

The obverse with Mercury standing in the foreground with hand to ear. Behind, two frigates on the sea bearing upon their ensigns the harp of Ireland (which had been under the dominion of England for many years) and the lilies of France, respectively. All but the topsails are furled, and each ship is firing broadsides at the other; a scene of war. The legend reads, SALVS IN FLVCTIBUS (translated by Betts as "safety at sea," but this translation belies the image) around, and STATVS RERVM in the exergue. The exergual legend continues on the reverse, SVB EXITVM ANNI MDCCLV, and translates in total, per Betts: "The condition of affairs at the close of the year 1755." The reverse bears a scene of an Indian warrior at the left, holding a bow and arrow in his left and right hands respectively. Near his feet and toward the sea is an alligator or caiman, mouth open, lower jaw foreshortened. A female figure at the right sits on a sea-horse (with equine features, not typical aquatic sea horse characteristics) and holds a miniature representation of a Temple of Fame in her right hand. An overflowing cornucopia is at her feet.

Below the exergual inscription on the obverse are the initials P.P.W., possibly those of Peter Paul Werner, a German medalist working in Nuremberg from 1689 through 1771; thus this medal is likely of German manufacture. Forrer, Vol. VI, pp. 453 ff. notes that "he produced a very large number of medals, and many coin dies for various mints," and lists items from his repertoire.

Discussion of this medal is found in the American Journal of Numismatics, Volume XXIV. No. 1, in an article titled "An Undescribed Franco-American Jeton." The article is essentially a report of this medal having been sold by Ed. Frossard in his December 1888 Sale. The medal was purchased for $30 by Daniel Parish, Jr., then president of the American Numismatic and Archaeological Society of New York. The notes of Harry Bass indicate that the Parish specimen may be the same as the one offered here. Betts, p. 175, cites just one specimen, "Rare; in the collection of D. Parish, Jr., New York."

The allegory: Per AJN, and as quoted by Betts, p. 175, George M. Parsons considered the allegory to represent French interests in America in the personification of the Indian and England in the goddess of the sea, with the thought that there was "safety at sea," as controlled by Britain, but land was hazardous, as typified by the Indian ready to draw his arrow to the bow; thus, the medal could have been "an invocation for peace, in the threatening state of affairs between the two nations."

In the absence of contemporary documentation, often the meaning of a medallic allegory is in the eye and mind of the beholder. History records that in 1755 the French (sometimes with Indian assistance) and English were in conflict with each other on several fronts in America. The naval scene on this medal might be construed as anything but safe or peaceful, and perhaps Mercury, the messenger, is bringing news of the war or at least a reminder of it to the subjects on the reverse. On the reverse, the standing Indian does not bear any French indication (a fleur de lys or whatever), but the saurian reptile suggests that the Native American is from somewhere south of Virginia. The "Temple of Fame" seems to be surmounted by a Christian cross, and, perhaps, is a church-if so, perhaps indicating that Britannia, with her plenty (cornucopia) extends the blessings of religion, peace, and prosperity to the savage Indians, who at the time were caught up in the conflict, siding with the French. Perhaps a title such as "Indian Contemplating the Blessings of Britannia" might be appropriate. Further, could this be an Indian Peace medal?

Or, other allegories could be suggested.

From Paramount's 1972 ANA Sale, August 1972, Lot 936. Believed to be ex Ed. Frossard, Gerald E. Hart Collection Sale, December 1888, Lot 1613a, to Daniel Parish, Jr.

Kittanning Destroyed Medal

Betts-400, Pewter

Earliest American Medal

Enlarge

2079     Kittanning Destroyed, 1756. Betts-400, early restrike, circa 1790. Pewter. 294.8 grains. 43.2 mm. AU. Even, soft gray toning with some lustre remaining in the fields. Sharply struck with bold details. This is believed to be the first large medal made from American dies and struck in what is now the United States of America.

The obverse displays an ornate coat of arms, believed to be that formerly used by the City of Philadelphia. Elements include (clockwise from upper left): clasped hands; a standing sheaf of wheat; a three-masted merchant ship under full sail, and a pair of balance scales, reflecting the activities of the city, including friendship, agriculture, commerce, and maritime trade. The legend around reads THE GIFT OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA.

The reverse with a scene of the log cabin village of Kittanning in flames. The legend reads KITTANNING DESTROYED BY COL. ARMSTRONG. The date in the exergue is September 8, 1756. The village is shown as a cluster of tightly spaced log cabins ablaze; four soldiers, one whose gun is still pointing at his victim prostrate on a corduroy road.

Kittanning was an Indian village on the banks of the Allegheny River, located 45 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which was burned during the French and Indian War. According to Betts, each of the commissioned British officers involved in the affair was awarded one of these medals struck in silver. Edward Duffield, a Philadelphia watchmaker, is credited with having prepared these dies (and B-401, below), which have survived and are housed at the Philadelphia Mint, according to Betts. The present example is an earl restrike from intact dies.

From the New Netherlands Coin Co.'s sale of April 18-19, 1972, Lot 607. Formerly from the Henry Chapman estate, February 1945, where it was purchased for $75.

First American Indian Peace Medal

1757 George II, Betts-401.

Restrike in Pewter

2080     George II American Indian Peace medal, 1757. Betts-401. Early restrike from original dies, unbroken. Pewter. 388.8 grains; 43.3 mm. AU. Lustrous, silver gray surfaces.

The obverse depicts the laureated head of King George II, facing left, in jacket of cloth and armor. Surrounding is the inscription GEORGIVS II DEI GRATIA.

The reverse shows an Indian seated on the ground to the left, and at the right a colonist (in the style of popular depictions of William Penn) seated on a rock, holding a calumet or peace pipe aloft in his right hand. Behind him is a deciduous tree. In the background is a blazing council fire, while a sun with rays illuminates the scene. The inscription, LET US LOOK TO THE HIGH WHO BLESSED OUR FATHERS WITH PEACE. The date 1757, written as J757, is in the exergue.

This was considered by Betts to be the first Indian Peace medal struck in America, and is from dies cut by Edward Duffield, Philadelphia silversmith and jeweler. The medals were made to be presented by the Friendly Association for Regaining and Preserving Peace with the Indians by Pacific Means. Striking was performed by Joseph Richardson of the same city, a member of a famous family of silversmiths. He used a sledgehammer and a guide for the dies to make the impressions. Beginning circa 1800-1810 the dies were used to make restrikes, and after a time they became very badly broken.

Duffield (1730-1805) was hardly a Du Vivier (see following lot), but his work is of decent style, the obverse portrait being better executed that of the small Indian and colonist figures on the reverse (which are naïve).

Notice of this medal appeared in the American Journal of Numismatics, October 1877, quoting a letter written by Joseph Richardson (the younger) on June 12, 1813, which commented, in part: "[The device] represented an Indian and a European seated at a Council fire, the latter pointing with the calumet, a pipe of peace, towards the sun, near the zenith; the whole design being encircled with this beautiful sentiment: LET US LOOK TO THE MOST HIGH, WHO BLESSED OUR FATHERS WITH PEACE. Duffield also cut the dies for the Kittanning medal, such dies later being placed in the Mint." This was undoubtedly in response to or expansion of a comment about this and other Duffield medals printed in Numisma, January 1877, by Ed. Frossard.

From New Netherlands Coin Co.'s Sale of April 18-19, 1972, Lot 609.

Horatio Gates Medal, Betts-557

Pewter, Original

Enlarge

2081     General Burgoyne's Surrender to Gates at Saratoga, 1777. Betts-557. Pewter. 916.8 grains. 55.6 mm. AU. Mostly soft gray surfaces, slightly darker on the highlights. The fields display remnants of their original prooflike quality. A small protrusion from the top edge, as made, undoubtedly was meant to connect a loop for suspension. The loop does not seem to have been attached. Exceedingly rare in pewter, and, seemingly, not known to Betts in this metal.

The obverse depicts a uniformed bust of General Horatio Gates, left. The legend reads HORATIO GATES DUCI STRENUO (Horatio Gates, the valiant Commander.) In the exergue appears COMITIA AMERICANA. Just above the exergual line at right is N. Gatteaux, the mark of the die cutter. The reverse features the scene of General Gates receiving the sword of General Burgoyne. Soldiers on the battlefield stand in the background. The legend around reads SALUS REGIONUM SEPTENTRIONAL, with HOSTE AD SARATOGAM IN DEDITION • ACCEPTO DIE XVII • OCT • MDCCLXXVII in the exergue (The safety of the Northern regions secured by the surrender of the enemy received at Saratoga, Oct. 17, 1777.) Just below the exergual line at left is GATTEAUX F.

Betts notes that these medals were struck in gold (for presentation to General Gates), silver, and bronze. No mention is made of striking in pewter, as the medal here offered. It is believed that the silver specimens were presented to Washington, passing from his estate to Daniel Webster. The dies were cut in France by Nicolas Marie Gatteaux, an accomplished Parisian medalist who was appointed by Louis XVI as official engraver of medals, and did a number of medals for the American government as well.

Wyatt on Gates: Thomas Wyatt, A.M.-he of later checkered numismatic career-was the author in 1848 of a superb work on medals, Memoirs of the Generals, Commodores, and Other Commanders, Who Distinguished Themselves in the American Army and Navy During the Wars of the Revolution and 1812, and Who Were Presented with Medals by Congress, for Their Valiant Service. For the successful bidder on this medal we will furnish, if requested, a photocopy of the title page of this work and the chapter on Gates, from which this is but a small extract:

"[After a military cat and mouse game] the British general [Burgoyne] found his prospects of assistance as remote as ever, and the consumption of his stores so alarming, that retreat or victory became unavoidable alternatives. On the 8th of October a warm action ensued, in which the British were everywhere repulsed, and a part of their lines occupied by their enemies. Burgoyne's loss was very considerable in killed, wounded, and prisoners, while the favorable situation of Gates' army made its losses in the battle of no moment.

"Burgoyne retired in the night to a stronger camp, but the measures immediately taken by Gates, to cut off his retreat, compelled him without delay to regain his former camp at Saratoga.… His provisions being now reduced to the supply of a few days…the British general resolved upon a rapid retreat, merely with what the soldiers could carry on their backs.

"They soon found they were deprived even of this resource, as the passes through which their route lay were so strongly guarded, that nothing but artillery could clear them. In this desperate situation a parley took place, and on the 16th of October the whole army surrendered to Gates. The prize obtained consisted of more than 5,000 prisoners, some fine artillery, 7,000 muskets, clothing for 7,000 men, with a great quantity of tents and other military stores. All the frontier fortresses were immediately abandoned to the victors. This successful capture filled America with joy.…"

From New Netherlands Coin Co.'s sale of April 18-19, 1972, Lot 612.

Original De Fleury - Stony Point Award Medal

Betts-566, Silver

Awarded by Congress; Dies by Du Vivier

Believed Intended for Presentation to De Fleury

Illustrated and Cited by Lossing

Enlarge

2082     M. De Fleury medal. Betts-566. Original by Du Vivier. Silver. Plain edge. Nearly Mint, prooflike fields. 726.4 grains. 45.8 mm. One of only three or four known. Attractive silver and light iridescent patination. A superb medal, sharply struck and exquisitely detailed. This identical specimen is mentioned by famous American historian Lossing and famous numismatic researcher Betts, giving it an elegant provenance (both quoted below). This is the only contemporary medal voted by Congress during the Revolution, to be awarded to a French officer in the service of the young United States. As is indicated by the following description, this is one of the most important early American medals to cross the auction block in our generation.

This medal became famous after the publication of Benson J. Lossing's A Pictorial Field Book of the American Revolution, 1852, which gave a fine "spread" and illustrated the piece. As might be expected, the community of American numismatists strongly desired to have examples of this medal for their cabinets. However, the original dies were not to be found to make restrikes. Accordingly, at a later date copy dies were made at the Philadelphia Mint, of modern lettering and with the added inscription REPRODUCTION 1880 (these are described as Julian MI-4 and are not further treated here).

Description of the obverse: At the center is the personification of Lt. Col. François Louis Tessiedre De Fleury as a Roman warrior, with helmet, flowing cape, skirt of mail, and sandals, grasping the pole of the British flag and trampling the cloth with his foot. The backdrop is of the cut-stone walls of a fortress, breached on the right side and with broken stones and rubble at the right foreground. A dislodged stone from the battlement is inscribed DU VIVIER S. Around the top border is the inscription, VIRTUTIS AUDACIÆ MONUM. ET PRÆMIUM [To valor and bravery a monument]. In the exergue is the inscription D. [sic; should be F.] DE FLEURY EQUITI GALLO / PRIMO SUPER MUROS / RESP. AMERIC. D.D. [De Fleury, officer of France, first to mount the walls, Republic of America has presented this gift; D.D. representing dono dedit, or gave this gift].

Description of the reverse: A panoramic bird's-eye or balloonist's eye view is given of the star fort (but of slightly modified shape) on a high rocky escarpment bordered by water and marshy lowland at Stony Point. The scenario depicts the fort in British hands prior to assault by the American troops. In the Hudson River between the fort and the opposite shore are six British sailing ships, the rightmost of which seems to be firing two guns toward the shore (in an action not explained by history; perhaps practice). The fort walls are intact in this view, and the pennant-dramatically oversize for visual effect on the medal-is blowing in the breeze. Cannons are seen in place with supplies of round shot nearby. Two tall stone turrets are on the front rampart of the fort. Around the top border is the inscription, AGGERES PALUDES HOSTES VICTI [Fortifications, marshes, and enemies overcome], while in the exergue is this lettering: STONY-PT. EXPUG. / XV. JUL. MDCCLXXIX [Stony Point vanquished, 15 July 1779].

Historical background of the medal and its depictions: François Louis Tessiedre De Fleury was born at St. Hippolyte, France on August 28, 1749. As an adult he served in the French army, attaining the rank of aide-major. When the hardships of the colonists in the American Revolution became known in France, many Frenchmen volunteered their services, with Marquis de Lafayette being the best remembered by historians. De Fleury came to the United States and was posted as an engineer at Fort Mifflin on May 22, 1777. He was wounded in the attack upon that fortification. Later, he served with valor at the Battle of Brandywine, and still later was in action at Red Bank, after which he was made lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army. At a later time, Baron von Steuben recommended that he be assigned as an inspector. In the Continental Army's attack to recapture the American fort at Stony Point, New York, De Fleury was in command of the right vanguard of the advancing American troops. A marshy area lay in front of the fort, making the path difficult. He was the first person to cross the breached wall of the fort, and, per Anthony Wayne's later report, destroyed "the enemy's standard with his own hands." This action is depicted on the obverse of the medal. In recognition for his valor at Stony Point, Congress on July 1779 unanimously voted that he be given a silver medal. This present specimen is believed to be that medal. Later, when substantial French forces arrived in America, he resigned from the Continental Army to join his countrymen on American soil under Count Rochambeau. He is believed to have met his death in the dark days of the French Revolution, 1794.

Lossing said this of our medal subject: "De Fleury was descended from Hercule Andre de Fleury, a French nobleman, who was the preceptor of the grandson of Louis XIV, during the latter years of the life of that monarch. He was afterward made cardinal and prime minister. The subject of our sketch came to America soon after the news of the revolt reached France. Washington received him kindly, obtained for him a commission, and he proved to be a brave and worthy soldier. Educated as an engineer, his talents were brought into requisition here. In that capacity he was acting at the time of the engagement at Fort Mifflin, on the Delaware. He was at the battle of Brandywine, and for his gallantry there Congress gave him a horse. He returned to France soon after the capture of Stony Point."

The action at Stony Point: Benson J. Lossing, distinguished 19th-century American historian (his contributions to numismatics are noticed at length in the 1998 book, American Numismatics Before the Civil War, 1760-1860, among other places), devoted several pages to Stony Point in his Pictorial Field Book of the Revolution, 1852, Vol. II, pp. 176 ff., there illustrating the medal in question, presumably from the specimen now offered as part of the Bass Collection.

Lossing's description of the action at Stony Point, beginning with the British capture of the fort: "The small forts at Verplanck's and Stony Points [on the Hudson River] were captured by the enemy commanded by Sir Henry Clinton in person, on the 1st of June 1779. The garrison of Stony Point consisted of only about 40 men, and that at Verplanck's of 70 men, commanded by Captain Armstrong. As these forts secured a free communication between the troops of New England and those of the central and southern portions of the confederacy, Clinton determined to dislodge the Americans therefrom. Accordingly, on the 30th of May, he sailed up the river with a strong force, accompanied by General Vaughan; the flotilla was commanded by Admiral Collier. They landed in two divisions on the morning of the 31st, the one under Vaughan, on the east side, eight miles below Verplanck's, and the other under Clinton, on the west side, a little above Haverstraw. The garrison at Stony Point retired to the Highlands on the approach of the enemy, and the fort changed masters without bloodshed.

"The next morning, the guns of the captured fortress, and the cannons and mortars dragged up during the night, were pointed toward Fort Fayette opposite, and a heavy cannonade was opened upon it. Unable to make a respectable resistance to this assault, and attacked in the rear by Vaughan's division, the little garrison surrendered themselves prisoners of war. The loss of these forts was greatly lamented by Washington, and his first care was to make an effort to recover them for West Point was now in danger. The main body of the American army was moved from Middlebrook toward the Highlands and Washington established his quarters at Smith's Cove, far in the rear of Haverstraw. Sir Henry Clinton gave orders for the immediate strengthening of the forts, and to guard the detachments left for the purpose, he descended the river with his army only as far as Phillipsburgh, now Yonkers.

"On the 23rd of June, Washington established his headquarters at New Windsor.… On the 1st of July, General Wayne was appointed to the command of the light infantry of the line, and was stationed in the vicinity of the Dunderberg, between Fort Montgomery and the main army at the Clove. The British had now greatly enlarged and strengthened the two forts in question, well supplied them with ammunition and stores, and had them strongly garrisoned. The force at Stony Point consisted of the 17th Regiment of foot, the grenadier companies of the 71st, and some artillery; the whole under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Johnson of the 7th. The garrison at Verplanck's was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Webster, and was quite equal in force to that at Stony Point. Several small British vessels of war were anchored in the bay within close cannon shot of the forts. Such was the situation of the two armies, when the attack of the Americans under Wayne and Howe upon Stony Point and Verplanck's Point was planned and executed by order of Washington.

"On the morning of the 15th of July, all the Massachusetts light infantry were marched to the quarters of Wayne at Sandy Beach, 14 miles from Stony Point. At meridian on that exceedingly sultry day, the whole body moved through narrow defiles, over rough crags, and across deep morasses, in single file, and at eight in the evening rendezvoused a mile and a half below Stony Point. There they remained until General Wayne and several officers returned from reconnoitering the works of the enemy, when they were formed into column, and moved silently forward under the guidance of a Negro slave belonging to a Captain Lamb who resided in the neighborhood.

"The position of the fortress was such that it seemed almost impregnable. Situated under a huge rocky bluff, an island at high water, and always inaccessible dry-shod, except across a narrow causeway in the rear, it was strongly defended by outworks and a double row of abatis. Upon three sides of the rock were the waters of the Hudson, and on the fourth was a morass, deep and dangerous. But Wayne was not easily deterred by obstacles; and tradition avers, that while conversing with Washington on the subject of this expedition, he remarked with emphasis, "General, I'll storm hell if you will only plan it." He possessed the true fire of the flint, and was always governed by the maxim, "Where there's a will there's a way." He resolved to storm the fort at all hazards, and only waited for the ebbing of the tide, and the deep first slumber of the garrison, to move toward the fortress.

"It was half past eleven o'clock at night when the Americans commenced their silent march toward the fort. All the dogs in the neighborhood had been killed the day before, that their barking might not give notice of strangers near. The Negro, with two strong men disguised as farmers, advanced alone. The countersign was given to the first sentinel, on the high ground west of the morass, and while he was conversing with Pompeii, the men seized and gagged him. The silence of the sentinel at the causeway was secured in the same manner, and as soon as the tide ebbed sufficiently [this portion of the Hudson being virtually sea level], the whole of Wayne's little army, except a detachment of 300 men under General Muhlenburg, who remained in the rear as a reserve, crossed the morass to the fort on the western declivity of the promontory, unobserved by the enemy. The troops were now divided into two columns, the van of the right, consisting of 150 volunteers, under Lieutenant-Colonel De Fleury, and that of the left, of 100, under Major Stewart, each with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets. An avant-garde of 20 picked men for each company, under Lieutenants Gibbons and Knox, preceded them, to remove the abatis and other obstructions. These vans composed the forlorn hope on that memorable night.

"At a little past midnight the advanced parties moved silently to the charge, one company on the southern, and the other toward the northern portion of the height. They were followed by the two main divisions; the right, composed of the regiments of Febiger and Meigs, being led by General Wayne in person. The left was composed of Colonel Butler's regiment, and two companies under Major Murfey. The Americans were undiscovered until within pistol shot of the pickets upon the heights, when a skirmish ensued between the sentinels and the advanced guards. The pickets fired several shots, but the Americans, true to orders, relied upon the bayonet, and pressed forward with vigor. The garrison was aroused from their slumbers, and instantly the deep silence of the night was broken by the roll of the drum, the loud cry To arms! To arms! The rattle of musketry from the ramparts and behind the abatis, and the roar of cannon, charged with the deadly grapeshot [sic; round shot is depicted on the medal] from the embrasures. In the face of this terrible storm, the Americans forced their way at the point of the bayonet, through every obstacle, until the van of each column met in the center of the works, where each arrived at the same time.

"At the inner abatis, Wayne was struck upon the head by a musket ball, which brought him upon his knees. His two brave aids, Fishbow and Archer, raised him to his feet, and carried him gallantly through the works. Believing himself mortally wounded, the general exclaimed, as he arose, "March on! Carry me into the fort, for I will die at the head of my column!" But the wound was not very severe, and he was able to join in the loud huzzas that arose when the two columns met as victors within the fort.

"Colonel De Fleury first entered the works, and struck the British standard with his own hands. The garrison surrendered at discretion as prisoners of war, and that brilliant achievement was rendered the more glorious for the clemency, which the victors exercised toward the vanquished. Not a life was taken after the flag was struck and the garrison had pleaded for quarters. Wayne had but 15 killed and 83 wounded; the British had 63 killed; and Johnson, the commander, with 543 officers and men, were made prisoners. The ships of the enemy lying in the river in front of Stony Point slipped their cables and moved down to a place of security. Before daylight, Wayne sent to the commander-in-chief the brief but comprehensive reply, of which a facsimile is here given:

"Stony Point, 16th July 1779, 2 o'clock a.m.

Dear General,

The fort garrison with Col. Johnston and our officers and men behaved like men who are determined to be free.

Yours most sincerely,

I remain [Anthony Wayne]

[addressed to] General Washington

"At dawn the next morning the cannons of the captured fort were turned upon the enemy's works at Verplanck's Point under Colonel Webster, and a desultory bombardment was kept up during the day. Major General Robert Howe had been sent to attack Fort Fayette, but on account of delays, and some misconceptions of Washington's orders, he did not make the attack in time to dislodge the garrison. News of Webster's critical situation and the capture of Stony Point was speedily communicated to Sir Henry Clinton, and he immediately sent relief to the menaced garrison at Verplanck's. Howe withdrew, and the enterprise was abandoned.

"Washington clearly perceiving the danger of attempting to retain the post at Stony Point with so few troops as could be employed in the service, concluded to order an evacuation, and destruction of the works after the ordnance and stores should be removed. This was accordingly done on the night of the 18th. All that was originally intended was accomplished, namely, the destruction of the works and the seizure of the artillery and stores. A large portion of the heavy ordnance was placed on a galley to be conveyed to West Point. As soon as the vessel moved, a cannonade from Verplanck's and the British shipping was commenced upon it. A heavy shot from the Vulture struck it below watermark, and the galley went down at the point just above Caldwell's Landing, where speculation recently made credulity seek for treasures in a sunken vessel alleged to have belonged to the famous Captain Kidd. If, as asserted, a cannon was drawn up from a vessel lying at the bottom of the river there, it was doubtless one of the pieces taken from Stony Point, and the 'ship's timbers' there discovered are the remains of the old galley. The 'treasures,' if secured, would be of little worth in these 'piping times of peace.'

"The British repossessed themselves at Stony Point on the 20th, but they had little of value left them but the eligible site for a fortification.

"The storming and capture of Stony Point, regarded as an exhibition of skill and indomitable courage, was one of the most brilliant events of the war. General Wayne, the leader of the enterprise, was everywhere greeted with rapturous applause. Congress testified their grateful sense of his services by a vote of thanks 'for his brave, prudent, and soldierly conduct.' It was also resolved that a medal of gold, emblematical of this action, should be struck, and presented to General Wayne. Thanks were also presented by Congress to Lieutenant Colonel De Fleury and Major Stewart, and a medal of silver was ordered to be struck and presented to each. The conduct of Lieutenants Gibbons and Knox was warmly applauded, and brevets of captain were given to each, and to Mr. Archer, the volunteer aid of Wayne, who was the bearer of the general's letter to Washington on the occasion. Pursuant to the recommendation of the commander-in-chief, and in fulfillment of promises made by Wayne before the assault, with the concurrence of Washington, Congress resolved, 'That the value of the military stores taken at Stony Point be ascertained and divided among the gallant troops by whom it was reduced, in such manner and proportions as the commander-in-chief shall prescribe.' "

Numismatic note: The preceding indicates that the breach in the fort wall and the stone rubble within may indicate artistic license (unless the rubble was from an earlier confrontation). The cannons were fired with canister or grape shot, not round shot as seems to be depicted on the medal.

The engraver: The dies were cut by famous French artist and engraver Pierre Simon Benjamin Du Vivier (sometimes given as Duvivier), who was born on November 5, 1728, the son of Jean Du Vivier, himself a famous artist and medalist (in numismatics, sometimes referred to as Du Vivier Pere), who maintained an atelier in the Louvre in Paris. In 1764, our Du Vivier was named official medalist to the king. In the Revolutionary War era and immediately following, there was little capability in America for the striking of large-diameter medals, and artists and facilities in Paris were often employed. Du Vivier's works are well known and in the American repertoire are highlighted by the Washington Before Boston medal among other masterpieces. The Paris Mint provided the facility for striking.

Lossing (1852) wrote of this specimen: "This identical [to the illustration in Lossing] silver medal was found by a boy while digging in a garden at Princeton, New Jersey, toward the close of April 1850, and was deposited in the bank at that place for the inspection of the curious. How the medal came there is uncertain. De Fleury returned to France before the medal was struck, and it probably was never in his possession. Congress was afterward in session at Princeton, and the medal may have been lost by the secretary, in whose custody it properly belonged until delivered to the recipient of the honor."

Betts (1894) wrote of this specimen: "There is reason to believe that an impression of this medal found at Princeton, N.J., in April 1850, was the original intended to be presented to De Fleury. Congress was in session there, at one time, and it is thought that this may have been sent there, and lost by the person having it in his care. De Fleury is said to have returned to France before his medal reached America. This is the only one of the three [early medal varieties relating to the action at Stony Point] which spells Stony Point correctly." "The dies are lost. Eds." [the editors were William T.R. Marvin and Lyman Haynes Low; as is seen, this is an adaptation of Lossing, but not credited as such; some of Lossing's details were omitted by Betts and/or his editors.]

From New Netherlands Coin Co.'s sale of April 18-19, 1972, Lot 613. Earlier believed to be THE PRESENTATION SPECIMEN FOR DE FLEURY. Illustrated by Lossing (1852), cited by Betts (1894). Later in the W.W.C. Wilson auction, Lot 805, catalogued by Wayte Raymond under title of "The Important Numismatic Collection Formed by the Late W.W.C. Wilson, Montreal, Canada. United States and Canadian Coins, Early American and Canadian Historical Medals, Medals Presented to North American Indian Chiefs, Foreign Coins and Medals" and sold by Anderson Galleries, New York; later in the Henry Chapman estate, and sold on March 4, 1946.

Enlarge

2083     General Daniel Morgan. Mint medal, undated, post 1839. Julian MI-7 [adaptation of Betts-593]. Bronze. 1,302.6 grains; 56.4 mm. MS-63. Circa 1860-1870 impression (our estimate); fairly early die state. Deep glossy chocolate brown surfaces.

A well-executed medal, indeed elegant, the original of which, in gold, was presented to Revolutionary War hero General Morgan in 1789 or 1790, this being described as Betts-593. This gold medal original was lost, and Congress passed an act authorizing a restrike for presentation to Morgan Neville, an heir to the general. The dies were never located, and it was necessary to prepare a new set. The first strikings were in 1839, and they were still in use as late as 1885; this is the presently offered Julian MI-7.

The obverse features General Morgan being crowned with a wreath of laurel by an Indian Princess, symbolic of America. The reverse design is a scene from the battle of Cowpens, January 17, 1781. The original dies were by Augustin Dupré, with the copy dies (as here offered) by Barre.

Important 1776 Libertas Americana Medal

Betts-615 in Silver

Among the Finest Known

Conceived by Benjamin Franklin

The Archetype American-Motif Medal

Enlarge

2084     "1776" Libertas Americana medal. Betts-615, Loubat-4. Silver. Plain edge. 783.4 grains; 47.5 mm. Proof-64. A deeply mirrored near-gem specimen with reflective fields and frosted design motifs. Pale rose, sky blue, gold, and violet iridescent toning graces both sides, adding immeasurably to the overall appeal. The medal is accompanied by a round green leatherette box, somewhat tattered on the outside, with faded red velvet on the inside. The cover closes with two hook and eye snaps. While perhaps not contemporary to the medal enclosed within, the box is almost certainly of 19th-century origin, and perhaps was custom made for an earlier owner of the medal.

The dies were engraved in Paris in 1782 by Augustin Dupré at the behest of Benjamin Franklin. Selected correspondence on the matter, to and from Franklin, is quoted below.

This die combination yields a highly prized rarity when struck in copper, as usually seen. Silver impressions are few and far between, and often a period of years will elapse between appearances on the open market. The Harry Bass Collection specimen is sharply struck with even the smallest detail boldly rendered. Usual small rim cud on obverse at 7:00 attests to the originality of this specimen. Here, indeed, is one of the nicest quality examples among the few pieces offered in our era. As such, this lovely and exceedingly important medal will be a focal point in this section of the sale.

Benjamin Franklin conceived the idea of the Libertas Americana medal and suggested the motifs. Robert R. Livingston suggested the mottoes. A French artist, Esprit-Antoine Gibelin, sketched the design, and the work was executed in die form in 1882 by Augustin Dupré. It seems that at least two gold specimens were struck, these being presented to the king and queen of France, only a few silver coins (including to the French ministers), and a fairly large number of copper impressions, the latter including one for each member of the American Congress.

Obverse: The inscription LIBERTAS AMERICANA is in an arc above, 4 JUIL. 1776 is in the exergue below. At the center is the head of Libertas Americana, a.k.a. Miss Liberty, facing left, with rich tresses of hair flowing behind, set against a liberty cap on pole. The top of the pole is seen below her neck, and the end of the pole with cap behind her hair to the upper right.

Reverse: With inscription NON SINE DIIS ANIMOSUS INFANS (the infant is not bold without divine aid) above, 17 OCT. 1777 and 19 OCT. 1781. The allegorical motif on the reverse is a fine example of the engraver's art. Minerva, clad in breastplate and plumed helmet, holds a shield bearing the fleur de lys of France. The infant Hercules (representing the new American nation) kneels in the protective shadow of Minerva's shield, grasping a strangled serpent in each tiny fist. The reptiles represent the defeats of General "Gentleman Johnny" Burgoyne (17 October, 1777) and General George Cornwallis (19 October, 1781). The British lion stands, forepaws upon Minerva's shield. Its tail is between its rear legs, a heraldic signal of cowardice or defeat, as, indeed, it may also be in nature. In some 19th-century accounts (citations on request to the successful bidder) this particular breed of cat has been called incorrectly a leopard or a panther.

Franklin's involvement: The following letters to and from Benjamin Franklin are from Jared Sparks, Franklin's Works, as quoted by William Sumner Appleton, American Journal of Numismatics, November 1867, pp. 63-64:

From Benjamin Franklin, who was in France at the time, to Robert R. Livingston, March 4, 1782:

"This puts me in mind of a medal I have had a mind to strike, since the late great event you gave me an account of, representing the United States by the figure of an infant Hercules in his cradle, strangling the two serpents; and France by that of Minerva, sitting by as his nurse, with her spear and helmet, and her robe specked with a few fleurs de lis. The extinguishing of two entire armies in one war is what has rarely happened, and it gives a presage of the future force of our growing empire."

Franklin to Sir William Jones, March 17, 1783:

"The engraving of my medal, which you know was projected before the peace, is but just finished. None are yet struck in hard metal, but will be in a few days. In the meantime, having this good opportunity by Mr. Penn, I send you one of the épreuves. You will see that I have profited by some of your ideas, and adopted the mottoes you were so kind as to furnish."

Franklin to the Grand Master of Malta, April 6, 1783 (which, among other things, indicates the prestige of a silver striking and the possibility, which never saw fruition, of adding COMITIA AMERICANA to the die for later strikings):

"My Lord, I have the honor to address to your Eminent Highness the medal, which I have lately had struck. It is a homage of gratitude, my Lord, which is due to the interest you have taken in our cause; and we no less owe it to your virtues, and to your Eminent Highness's wise administration of government."

Franklin to Livingston, April 15, 1783:

"I have caused to be struck here the medal which I formerly mentioned to you, the design of which you seemed to approve. I enclose one of them in silver, for the President of Congress, and one in copper for yourself; the impression in copper is thought to appear best, and you will soon receive a number for the members. I have presented one to the King, and another to the Queen, both in gold, and one in silver to each of the ministers, as a monumental acknowledgment, which may go down to future ages, of the obligations we are under to this nation. It is mighty well received, and gives general pleasure. If the Congress approve it, as I hope they will, I may add something on the die (for those to be struck hereafter) to show that it was done by their order, which I could not venture to do until I had authority for it."

Rohan, Grand Master of Malta, to Franklin, June 21, 1783; it is seen that Rohan, like many Frenchmen of the time, had his own cabinet of medals:

"Sir, I received with the most lively sensibility the medal, which your Excellency sent me, and the value I set upon this acquisition leaves my gratitude unbounded. This monument of American liberty has a distinguished place in my cabinet."

Letter from Franklin to the President of the United States Congress, September 13, 1783:

"I am happy to hear that both the device and workmanship of the medal are approved with you, as they have the good fortune to be by the best judges on this side of the water. It has been esteemed a well-timed, as well as a well-merited, compliment here, and has its good effects. Since the two first which you mention as received, I have sent by different opportunities so many, as that every member of Congress might have one. I hope they are come safe to hand by this time."

The Libertas Americana tradition: This beautiful obverse personification of Liberty was copied, to some extent, by Joseph Wright and other early United States Mint engravers for federal copper coinage of the 1793-1796 era. In later times the motif continued to be admired. Inspired by the design, the combination of the liberty cap and Miss Liberty appeared in other forms as well, including Christian Gobrecht's silver coinage of the 1830s, extending for some denominations to 1891, and on many patterns, medals, and other productions. In the 1870s, J.A. Bolen produced his own version which was employed on certain store cards and Centennial Exhibition related items. In the 1970s Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro produced a version of the Liberty Cap motif which at the time was considered for use on the metallic dollar and was enthusiastically endorsed by the numismatic community (however, the Susan Anthony motif was used); an earlier version of Gasparro's Liberty Cap design had appeared on an ANA medal, in which connection he worked with ANA executive director Ed Rochette.

In numismatic circles, the desirability of the Libertas Americana medal-typically encountered in copper-was recognized at an early date, even before the hobby became organized (more or less) circa 1857-1860. Many examples could be given, but these two will suffice:

In the catalogued sale conducted by Horatio Hill (169 Broadway, New York City), April 22-23, 1848, of books, maps, and medals of the late D.B. Worden, of Paris, which had become the property of the State of New York, numismatic items included an Libertas Americana medal.

The Documentary History of the State of New York, by E.B. O'Callaghan, M.D., published in four volumes in 1850 by Weed, Parsons & Co., Albany, NY, included some information on numismatics. Chapter XXIII, "Medals and Coins," featured three plates of coins engraved and separately printed by J.E. Gavit. Among the items depicted was a Libertas Americana medal.

Although detailed commentary is outside the scope of the present lot description, in passing we mentioned that during the early 19th century there was a great passion for medals among French citizens and numismatists, and the works of Du Vivier, Caqué, Gatteaux, Puymaurin, and others were widely collected. France was viewed as the world's premier source for art medals, and, as with the Comitia Americana medals, certain early United States historical medals were produced there, the most familiar being Dupré's Libertas Americana, which was appreciated by collectors on both sides of the Atlantic. The French were quite interested in other American subjects as well, and we need but mention the Series Numismatica, which included medals of George Washington.

In the American Journal of Numismatics, October 188, p. 31, Hon. George M. Parsons commented concerning the medal:

"The obverse shows a beautiful head of Liberty in bold relief. On the shoulder is a staff which bears at the end the Phrygian cap. During the French Revolution, which followed in 1789, this cap became the emblem of republicanism. The same device was afterwards adopted for some of the early American copper coins; it was never replaced by anything more beautiful.…"

John W. Adams on the series, an appreciation: In 1991, John W. Adams, in "Back To Medal Collecting," a contribution to the American Numismatic Association Centennial Anthology, listed early medals authorized by the American Congress (in Latin, Comitia Americana), here synopsized and adapted:

"The medals, 11 in all, were authorized by Congress to celebrate major victories in the Revolutionary War. Typically, a specimen in gold or silver was awarded to the hero who led the victory. Usually, additional pieces were struck from the same dies in copper and, though generally unknown by present day numismatists, are eminently collectable.

"The series begins in 1776 with Washington's dramatic appearance before Boston (causing the British evacuation thereof), the Washington Before Boston medal. It continues as follows: 1777 Saratoga General Gates. • 1779 Stony Point with three issues: General Wayne, Col. de Fleury, and Major Stewart. • 1779 Paulus Hook, featuring Major Henry Lee. • 1779 Capture of the Serapis by Capt. John Paul Jones. • 1781 The Battle of Cowpens featuring General Morgan, and colonels Howard and William Washington. • 1781 Eutaw Springs, General Greene. • 1781 Yorktown, Libertas Americana. • A careful counter will note that we have cited 12 medals, not 11. The last named, the famous Libertas Americana, was not authorized by Congress but was carried out by Benjamin Franklin, then our Minister to France, acting on his own. Although Congress had voted thanks to Count de Grasse and Count de Rochambeau for the French help at Yorktown, Franklin believed that a more tangible expression of gratitude was in order. Actually, the series shrinks back to 11, because none of the Lee medals has survived. Voting the medals was one thing, procuring them was another. Our infant nation had no facilities to make ordinary coinage, much less memorials worthy of the occasion. A committee of Congress was appointed and this body turned to France for artistic support. The French Academy provided the designs and inscriptions; the best artists in that land were retained to engrave the dies; and the Paris Mint, the best equipped facility in the world at that time, struck the medals. Aesthetically, the work of the committee was a complete success. Indeed, from that standpoint, it has no rival in all of American numismatics. Logistically, the effort was more labored. It took eight years, from 1781 through 1789, to complete the project despite the active participation of such patriots as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and David Humphrey. In 1789, Jefferson returned from France with two complete sets of medals: his own, in pewter, has since been lost; the set in silver which he delivered personally to General Washington now resides in the Massachusetts Historical Society.…"

About the engraver: Augustin Dupré was born in St. Etienne, province Loire, France, on October 6, 1748. As a young man he was an apprentice in the making of firearms, where, among other skills, he learned engraving. In 1768 he moved to Paris, where he worked under an engraver and die sinker, soon becoming recognized for his own expertise. In addition, he did chasing and engraving work on jewelry, objets d'art, and sculpture, some of this in the employ of Jacques Clamier. His artistry on an elegantly decorated and embellished writing desk for the Empress Maria Louisa attracted wide admiration.

Soon, he focused upon medallic art, and in time he achieved great fame. His work included portraits of Louis XVI, Napoleon, and other famous French personages, as well as work on coinage dies. In 1791 he was named as the engraver general at the Paris Mint, which during that era was known worldwide for the artistry of its products. It was natural that during and after the American Revolution, the Paris Mint would be the source for medals of a high order of artistry, as there was little capability in the United States for engraving and, in particular, for striking large-format pieces.

In 1889 sketches by him were donated by his family to the Boston Public Library and, per an item in the American Journal of Numismatics, included "some of his original drawings, models, dies, and essays, relating to work done on medals for the United States, and more especially in reference to the medals of Franklin."

From New Netherlands Coin Company Inc.'s sale of April 1972, Lot 615.

Medals of Numismatists, Die Sinkers, and Societies

The Background

Tokens and medals relating to professional numismatists have a long and rich tradition in American numismatics. In the period 1859-1860, pioneer New York City dealers John K. Curtis and Augustus B. Sage issued medals relating to their businesses as did Ezra Hill. Within a few years dealers ranging from William Idler and George Cogan in Philadelphia to Alfred S. Robinson in Hartford had issued tokens.

New York diesinker George H. Lovett and his Philadelphia brother, Robert Lovett, Jr., were among the leading producers of medals for their dealer clients as well as to advertise their own businesses. This was a fortunate circumstance, as the Lovetts could and did produce many interesting and artistic designs. In fact, although numismatists for the next 150 years issued tokens and medals, few have reached or exceeded the output of 1859-1862 period, a time which, perhaps, should be called the golden era.

As might be expected, numismatists who enjoyed collecting rare and unusual varieties did their part by creating them within their own series. Thus, for example, William Idler's tokens, from dies by Robert Lovett, Jr., issued in Philadelphia circa 1860, were made in various metals including copper (the general name used in this text for bronze as well), brass, and white metal. Idler reached back into American numismatic history and retrieved some old motifs, and commissioned Lovett to make copy dies depicting the circa 1658 Maryland denarium and the 1792 Washington half dollar by Getz. Robinson, who was based in Connecticut, found the 1737 Higley threepence motif with a standing deer to be an ideal motif, for the original Higley coins had been issued in his own state.

While dealers were the most prolific issuers of tokens-no doubt because they had the mechanism to sell many pieces to their clients and, also, as they were advertisements-many tokens and medals were published by or for numismatists in the private sector. Two of the great numismatic luminaries of the second half of the 19th century-Joseph J. Mickley and Charles Anthon-were each the subject of large medals struck in their honor. J.A. Bolen of Springfield, Massachusetts cut dies for a spectacular series of medals on many diverse subjects, beginning in 1861 and continuing for years thereafter.

In the first decade of the 20th century a new wave of token-issuing interest arose. Several factors contributed including these: The rise of tokens and medals to become the hottest part of the rare coin market certainly helped, and was based upon the publication of listings and references by such scholars as Benjamin Wright and Lyman H. Low, articles in The Numismatist, and the appreciation of the historical aspects of such pieces. J.K. Cranston, of Galt, Ontario, was a manufacturer or sales agent for brass tokens, and he advertised in The Numismatist that these could be ordered for nominal cost. Meanwhile, such tokens issued by collectors were illustrated in the same publication, encouraging others to do likewise. Albert Frey soon began a very fine serial article listing numismatic medals dating back to the days of the 1850s, which engendered even more interest. Then came Tom Elder, whose tokens in themselves were so extensive that even today it is not certain that all varieties have been recognized.

Central to any collection of coin-related medals are the illustrious issues bearing the imprint of the American Numismatic and Archaeological Society, New York City, renamed the American Numismatic Society today. Over the years the Society (abbreviated ANS) has commissioned many different medals, some quite elegant, others quite rare, still others with both characteristics. As will be seen under the Society's Lincoln medal of the 1860s, the program got off to a very rocky start. However, in time many fine medals were created. Certain ANS medals are listed under their subjects, if numismatic personalities. If historical, they are alphabetized under A, for the American Numismatic Society. As your editor is a fellow of the Society and has been a member since 1958, the presentation of these pieces is especially enjoyable.

The Bass Collection

Harry W. Bass, Jr., was attracted to numismatic tokens, perhaps as part of the same feeling for the history of our hobby that prompted him to build a truly great library of historical auction catalogues, price lists, and books. Perhaps it is only natural that someone who collects catalogues published by, for example, Tom Elder, would want tokens and medals issued by Elder.

In addition, as Harry Bass served as president of the American Numismatic Society, it is likewise natural that the Society's medals-old as well as modern-would be appealing and important to him.

Although numismatic tokens and medals are for the most part quite inexpensive, many are very elusive, and others are extremely rare. No doubt if a book were to be written on them some day, values would multiply. For the moment, such pieces are where you find them, including in the following listings. As a window on numismatic history, we have taken the time and space to present certain of these tokens with more text than their value merits, but the people memorialized are the worthy foundations of our hobby. In addition to the numismatists and die sinkers presented in single lots, several large and rather fascinating groups of pieces are given at the end and include dozens of different issuers from the obscure to the famous.

Impressive 1868 (1866) Lincoln Medal

By Sigel

The Society's First Issue

Enlarge

2085     American Numismatic Society, 1868 (popularly attributed to 1866). King-244, Johnson-1. Emil Sigel's Memorial medal of Abraham Lincoln. Bronze. 6,333.3 grains; 83.6 mm. MS-63. Large format medal struck "IN MEMORY OF THE LIFE ACTS AND DEATH OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. BORN FEBRUARY 12, 1809. DIED APRIL 15, 1865." as appears on the reverse side in eight lines, a wreath of laurel around. The obverse features the bust of Lincoln, right, in very high relief. The legend reads "SALVATOR PATRIAE." Below the portrait a tiny inscription reads EMIL SIGEL FECIT. A very handsome, impressive, and desirable medal. Most probably, the very finest work ever done by Sigel (at least, we have seen no close competition to it).

This is an exceedingly rare medal. The story is a lengthy one, and further details, if desired, can be picked up from that fascinating publication of yore, the American Journal of Numismatics, Andrew Zabriskie's monumental catalogue of Lincoln pieces (the first major work, titled Descriptive Catalogue of the Political and Memorial Medals struck in Honor of Abraham Lincoln, Sixteenth President of the United States, but only 75 copies were printed), and, especially from the regard of easy accessibility today, from "Lincoln in Numismatics," by Robert P. King, The Numismatist, February 1924. This built upon the work of Zabriskie and others and brought to print the current knowledge in the field. Of his predecessor, Zabriskie, much could be written; in his time he was one of the all-time "greats" in American numismatics.

King was another one of the "greats" in American numismatic research, but at a later time than Zabriskie. In the years since 1924 we have all drawn upon his work. King began his collecting interest at the age of two when his father, the senior partner in the firm of King & Baird, gave him a collection of 800 Civil War envelopes printed with various illustrations and sentiments, including many varieties printed by King and Baird. Numismatically, he cut his teeth at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition when he happened upon a 5-centime coin of Napoleon III given to him by a visitor. In King's words, "This was followed by a collection of Civil War tokens, they being the easiest thing to acquire, as prior to about 1880, there were a lot of these little pieces still in circulation, and one could hardly get a 25¢ piece changed without getting from one to three or four of these tokens in the transaction. I know whereof I speak, as I was never sent to the store without stopping in some other store first and getting my money changed to pennies, with a chance of adding to my collection, and was seldom disappointed, forming quite a collection in this way and with the help of some friends and folks." The writer went on to note that his interest in Lincoln medals and tokens dated from a later time, a few years prior to the centennial of Lincoln's birth, which was celebrated in 1909.

Sigel, a well-known issuer of Civil War tokens (most of which would win no design awards; most seemed to have been produced quickly, often naively, and fell short of the contemporary work of, say, William Bridgens), was tapped by the renascent Society in April 1865 to issue a grand medal depicting the martyred Lincoln, this being the foremost news story of the period. Such a medal, if finely done, would enjoy a wide sale not only to numismatists, but to the general public. Apparently, Sigel's reach exceeded his grasp, or he became possessed of the "slows." The project dragged on, and on, and on. Finally, he prepared the dies, but on the 16th impression they broke during the striking process circa late January or early February 1866, nearly a year later than planned. Apparently, most or all of these 16 were in soft "white metal," and two "imperfect copies" had been presented to officials (one being President Johnson) on the Lincoln's birthday celebration on February 12. Sigel agreed to make new dies by August 1. By this time much of the market for these metals was lost. Time dragged on and on. Finally, in early 1868, the Society made an arrangement with Sigel for a new set of dies. The agreement proposed certain cost adjustments and also noted that Sigel was not to make any restrikes or impressions for unauthorized persons. Complicating the situation was the unauthorized making of similar medals from other dies by an English firm.

The present medal from the Bass Collection is a very beautiful striking of one of the largest, most important early medals of Lincoln, and is further important as being the Society's first issue. Today, examples are rare.

2086     American Numismatic and Archaeological Society, 1897, Grant's Tomb. Bronze. 2038.2 grains; 63.5 mm. Mint State. Medal for the dedication of the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial in New York on April 27, 1897. Grant's bust, facing right, on the obverse, signed TIFFANY. The reverse bears the memorial. At the lower rim appears the mark of Tiffany & Co.

There was no medalist named "Tiffany." Instead, from early times (including the illustrious Cyrus Field / Atlantic Cable medals of decades earlier), this highly esteemed jewelry firm farmed out its diecutting, but did not recognize the artisans involved. Regarding Tiffany, for a long time a highly qualified numismatist, George Frederick Kunz, was on staff, he being a later-day counterpart of Lewis Feuchtwanger, renowned in particular for his knowledge of minerals and gems.

Question: Who was buried in Grant's Tomb?

2087     American Numismatic Society, 1908, Grover Cleveland plaquettes, 1908 (2). Weights: 3362.1 grains; 3354.5 grains, sizes: 78.5 mm width, 89.4 mm height; 78.2 mm width, 89.1 mm height. Antiqued bronze. Plain edge. Both Matte Proof-63, basically as struck.

Dies by J.F. Roine. Edges numbered, one as #26, the other as #80. Each is attractive olive-gold with warm highlights in the recessed areas. Obverse with seated portrait of Cleveland to right, name above, birth / death dates, 1837-1908, below in Roman numerals, reverse with high relief depiction of Columbia, seated on throne marked PAX on one armrest, LABOR on the other, holding orb and shield, PVBLIC OFFICE / A PVBLIC TRVST above, dates of presidency, 1885-1893 in Roman numerals below. An attractive pair of plaquettes. (Total: 2 pieces)

2088     American Numismatic Society, 1908. 50th Anniversary pin-back suspension medal worn at the opening ceremony for the new ANS building. Johnson-16. 164.1 grains; 23.8 mm. Sterling silver.

Design by Victor David Brenner, who was a member of the Society. Made by Tiffany & Co. One of just 25 examples struck. Oak leaf with pin back connected by three loops to a medallion, with ANS legends and motto on front, MDCCCLVIII above, MCMVIII below, APRIL VI at center of back. Back of leaf stamped TIFFANY & CO./STERLING, edge stamped TIFFANY & Co. Rare. American Journal of Numismatics, 1907-1908, pp. 150-152, includes an account of the occasion. About as desirable a specimen of ANS-iana as can be imagined!

Numismatic reflections upon William Street: In recent times, the Society announced that it has purchased a beautiful old building at 140 William Street, New York City, in the financial district and just a few steps from Wall Street. This area has a rich numismatic tradition (the Society was founded in the upstairs apartment of Augustus B. Sage at 121 Essex Street, not far away). Focusing only upon William Street, and without even digging into our complete (more or less) microfiche file of early New York City directories, we submit these names as a starter:

Bale, Joseph.: New York City diesinker was in 1829 located at 68 William Street.

Billings. Mr.: This diesinker is but an apparition, a will-o'-the-wisp, and is discussed in the book, American Numismatics Before the Civil War, 1760-1860.

Bode, John.: Naturalist, "birdstuffer," and Civil War token issuer. In 1861 he lived at 16 North William Street.

Bogert, Cornelius N.: This numismatist is somewhat of a mystery to the present editor, although his surname is sufficiently rare that it is likely he was related to Henry Bogert (see Lot 2131 below). In 1841 he was a lawyer at 1 John Street, New York City. At the same time he was a partner in Bogert & Penfold, grocers at 216 Front Street. In 1857-1858 he was a merchant at the presently important address of 49 William Street, and he lived at 35 East 22nd Street. In April 1865, Bangs, Merwin & Co.'s sale of the Dr. James R. Chilton Collection, Lot 2012, included this: "Catalogue in manuscript of the Numismatic Collection of Cornelius R. Bogert, Esq." This manuscript moved around, and it was later auctioned by W.E. Woodward, April 19-22, 1886, Lot 1873. Thus, Cornelius B. might be a good focal point for additional research by a member of the Numismatic Bibliomania Society.

Bridgens, Charles.: A diecutter of whom relatively little has been written, but presumably the author of various unsigned tokens and medals of the 1830s and 1840s. In 1833 he was an engraver, letter cutter, and die sinker at Franklin Hall, 17 Ann Street. In 1834 we find him as a partner with Thomas Yates in the die-sinking and engraving firm of Yates and Bridgens; 108 Reade Street. At the time Bridgens lived at 177 William Street (the same address where Yates lived).

Bridgens, William H.: Any listing of William Street denizens must include Bridgens at or near the top of the ranking with regard to numismatic importance. He was one of the most accomplished die cutters and Civil War token issuers, and today his products are widely admired and collected. Even Emanuel J. Attinelli, a chronicler of books (not tokens and medals), called his output "numerous and fine." One of his tokens of the 1863 period bears the inscription: BRIDGENS / METAL TOKENS / & / STORE CARDS / 189 / WILLIAM ST. N.Y. Of course, much more could be written about him.

Chinery, J.: In 1830, he was a letter and tool cutter at 90 William Street, New York City, by 1834 removing to 108 Nassau Street. And, that is about all we know of him.

Cogan, Edward D.: Dealer who had moved lock, stock, barrel, and family from Philadelphia and who was by 1866 set up at 101 William Street. Later addresses included 68, 95, and 100 William Street. He must have liked the place (but, we haven't checked the possibility that the city rearranged building addresses, as was done in Philadelphia circa 1858).

Everdell, William: In 1841 he was a seal engraver. 135 William Street, New York City. Also, around this time someone stamped EVERDELL on a bunch of large copper cents.

Gerhard, Frederich: From about 1856 to about 1859 Gerhard published the German Bank Note Reporter, New York City. During this period Gerhard was located, successively, at 113, 58, and 81 Nassau Street, 197 William Street, and 15 Dey Street.

Henning, Albert: Die sinker, issuer of Civil War tokens. In 1861 his shop was at 29 North William Street, while he resided not far away at 238 Delancey Street.

Relatively little has been learned about Henning. The Fuld reference does not list him as a maker of patriotic dies.

Hussey's Special Message Post: Located at 50 William Street, during the war, this outfit issued items of interest to philatelists, so much so that J.W. Scott made forgeries of them. However, numismatists are attracted to the Civil War tokens of the firm, which are memorable in design.

Jaudon, Frank: This numismatist is featured on a token offered as Lot 2132 in the present sale. In 1857-8 he is listed as a broker at 54 Wall Street with a residence at Hellgate (later the district was called Hell's Gate). On January 20, 1859, he joined the American Numismatic Society. In 1859 his directory listing is as a broker at 17 William Street; residence at 65 East 30th Street.

Levick, Joseph N.T.: Preeminent in the field of tokens, J.N.T. Levick assembled a marvelous collection of these pieces during the late 19th century, while at the same time compiling definitive lists of Hard Times tokens and other issues. Among the other fields studied was1793 large cents. He contributed the photographic plate to Sylvester S. Crosby's American Journal of Numismatics article which appeared in April 1869. Collections and groups of coins bearing his name were sold by various dealers from 1859 to 1908, with a sale held by Bangs, Merwin & Company in 1865 being particularly memorable as was a later offering featuring his token collection. The Levick pedigree on a large cent is at once distinguished and elusive. (The preceding is what we and J.W.A. had to say about Levick in our catalogue of the John W. Adams 1794 Cents, 1982.)

Magnus, Charles: Large-scale printer and lithographer, who in his salad days, circa 1852-4, was at 22 William Street. During the Civil War he published and widely advertised many views and scenes and, important to the present listing, issued tokens.

Morrison, E.: We could say more, but we'll skimp: In 1849 he was located at 47 Wall Street, from which address he published Sylvester's Reporter, Counterfeit Detector and New York Price Current which had been founded in 1830 by Sylvester J. Sylvester. In 1851, Morrison conducted an exchange, banking, and collection agency office at 51 William Street, where, no doubt, he took in his share of Liberty Seated silver coins during the price run-up which began in 1850.

Parsons, George. In 1859, Boyd's Pictorial Directory of Broadway included a half-page advertisement illustrated with an engraving of an eagle and stars in fireworks, with the caption above: "Specimen of J.W. Hadfield's First Premium Fireworks." Below, the text of the notice relates: "GEORGE PARSONS (successor to Oscar Jolley & Co., and Jolley & Tiers), importer of TOYS AND FANCY GOODS. The entire stock will be thrown upon for RETAIL DURING THE HOLIDAYS. 180 William St., cor. of Spruce, N.Y. Agent for J.W. Hadfield's First Premium Fireworks. A liberal commission will be allowed to merchants and all others for all orders for fireworks they may receive and forward [to] us." Parsons had his acquaintance Emil Sigel, also on William Street, make some Civil War tokens circa 1863 and, later from the dies, a bunch of numismatic delicacies for collectors.

Schulze, Edward: Civil War restaurateur and token issuer at 24 William Street.

Sigel, Emil: During the Civil War this diesinker and token-issuer did business at 177 William Street, an address that he lettered on certain of his tokens. By May 1866, he had moved, and advertised: "Engraving and chasing, in all its branches. Dies for medals, jewelry, silverware, & c. Seals, seal presses, stamps, letters. Designs and models for castings. Portraits, figures, ornaments. Emil Sigel, designer and modeller, 195 Broadway, corner Dey Street, New York." During this time he was involved in the star-crossed production of the ANS Lincoln medal (see Lot 2085 in this sale).

Strasburger & Nuhn: This token issuer in 1860 was located at 65 Maiden Lane, corner of William Street. "Importer of fancy goods and toys, French, China, and glass beads."

Strobridge, William Harvey: One of the better informed professional numismatist of the mid-19th century, this Vermont native moved in 1853 to New York City, there serving as one of many agents for the popular Fairbanks Scales (made in Vermont). In 1860 he relocated to Baltimore to do the same thing, but by circa 1861 he was back in New York City and had hung out his shingle as a rare coin dealer, cataloguing sales for Bangs, Merwin & Co., which lacked in-house talent. Meanwhile in 1864 his address was 93 William Street, changed (or moved to) 101 William Street by 1865.

Trested, Richard: Trested, who came to American from England, was a prominent die sinker in the 1820s, but only a few of his products (the Castle Garden token and his own advertising tokens; a nice article about this token is in our backlog for a future Rare Coin Review) are specifically signed. Russell Rulau believed he may have cut some dies for the Scovill Co. in Waterbury, CT, and may have done dies for early tokens of Doremus, Suydam & Nixon. In any event, by 1821 he was set up in business as a die sinker at 70 William St., an address soon changed to 68 William Street, which endured until his death (on January 13, 1829, from an infection arising from an amputated finger).

Wright & Bale: Partnership of C.C. Wright and James Bale, succeeding to certain interests of Richard Trested (see preceding). 68 William Street. Two books could be written about Charles Cushing Wright, whose engraving accomplishments were beyond compare. His first collectible output seems to have been the 1824 Washington / Lafayette medalet and counterstamp dies, followed soon by the elegant Erie Canal medal (1826), etc.

Wright, Charles Cushing: See above.

Yates, Thomas: An engraver of whom we know little. In 1834 he was the partner of Charles Bridgens in the die-sinking and engraving firm of Yates and Bridgens; 108 Reade Street. Yates lived at 177 William Street (the same address where Bridgens lived).

P.S.: The above is a partial list.

Enlarge

2089     American Numismatic Society, 1909. Hudson-Fulton Celebration Exceptional large-format medal by Emil Fuchs. Struck in sterling silver, as marked on edge. 5,040.3 grains; 101.5 mm. Matte Proof as issued. With Whitehead-Hoag on edge, this firm being the manufacturer of choice for many numismatic medals of the era (including most of Elder's productions). A beautiful medal issued by the American Numismatic Society honoring Henry Hudson for his discovery of the Hudson river on the obverse, and Robert Fulton on the reverse. By any reckoning, this is one of the finest numismatic medals of the early 20th century. The original hinged, wooden case of issue is included.

The Hudson-Fulton Celebration spirit was absorbed by numismatists, especially by Thomas L. Elder and others in New York City, and much attention was paid to it. Apart from medals, various entities produced many ribbons, souvenirs, and other items, including a book with panoramic non-stop views of the Hudson River shore from Manhattan northward. This observance coincided with the golden era of postcard issuance in America, and anyone seeking to mount a numismatic exhibit surrounded by interesting pictorial material has but to go to a postcard dealer to find many items.

Fuchs's star was on the ascendancy, and in the era he achieved much recognition, including at the Exhibition of American Sculpture, New York, 1923.

2090     American Numismatic Society, 1909. Hudson-Fulton Celebration: Trio of interesting specimens: I Regular format medal issued by the American Numismatic Society for the celebration. Identical in design to the large-format medal offered in the previous lot, but smaller. Struck in sterling silver, with some dark toning streaks. 50.7 mm; 1,034 grains. Matte Proof. Whitehead & Hoag I Large-format medal. Brass. 63.5 mm. Matte Proof. Whitehead & Hoag I Original guest badge from the celebration. Struck in silver and suspended by the original ribbon from a pin labeled GUEST. AU. (Total: 3 pieces)

2091     American Numismatic Society, 1919. Peace of Versailles medal by Chester A. Beach. Johnson-33. Essentially as struck. Bronze. Round. Bas-relief style. 1,279.5 grains; 63.4 mm. Olive-gold matte-like surfaces.

Obverse with attractive representations of Mars to the left, Peace to the right, and Justice (on horseback) at the center, reverse with an ornate scene of Versailles, where the peace treaty that ended the "War To End All Wars" was signed, PEACE OF VERSAILLES at top, 1919 on a ribbon at the bottom, AMERICAN NUMISMATIC SOCIETY in tiny letters also on the ribbon. Attractive.

Chester A. Beach was responsible for many of our commemorative half dollar designs, including the models for the 1928 Hawaiian Sesquicentennial issue, designed by Juliette May Fraser. He also designed the 1935 Hudson Sesquicentennial, the 1925 Lexington-Concord, and the 1923-S Monroe Doctrine issues. Despite this string of accomplishments, Beach is little known to numismatists today.

Enlarge

2092     American Numismatic Society, 1926. Manhattan Tercentenary medal by Hermon A. MacNeil. Johnson-42. As struck. Bronze. Round. Bas relief. 1,233.2 grains; 63.5 mm. Deep chocolate brown matte surfaces as issued.

Obverse with striding male and female figures to right, winged, NEW YORK CITY 1926 above, city scene in the background, reverse with Peter Stuyvesant being greeted by Native Americans, 1626 above, MANHATTAN below. One of just 100 pieces struck, and a rarity as such.

MacNeil is best known to numismatists as the designer of the 1916 Standing Liberty quarter dollar. However, this is but a footnote in his overall repertoire which includes medals, statuary, and many other items, nearly all beautifully done.

Landmark 1983 ANS Medal in Gold

Dedicated to Numismatics

One of Two Struck

Enlarge

2093     American Numismatic Society, 1983. 18 karat gold. Dies by Marcel Jovine. 91.5 x 109.9 mm; 27.71 troy ounces. (Note: 18 karat gold is 18/24ths gold, or 75% gold and 25% alloy.) Condition as issued, bright gold with matte-like surfaces. Obverse features a relief of St. Eligius (a.k.a. "St. Elsewhere" in Hollywood today), patron saint of numismatics, against a background of 26 different coins of the world. The reverse is divided into three sections. The upper third with an old screw type hand-operated coining press, the lower third with a reduction lathe showing large and small size versions of Victor D. Brenner's 1909 Lincoln cent obverse (the "reduction" is curious, as in the process the position of the date has moved significantly; artistic license, we presume). The center with the dates 1858 (the founding date of the ANS, in the home of Augustus B. Sage), and 1983.

There were but two struck in gold of this beautiful and impressive medal. Both were purchased by Harry Bass. One was donated by him to the American Numismatic Society, and the other is offered here-representing a unique opportunity to acquire one in the private sector. The present specimen was received by Harry Bass from the Society on June 16, 1992.

(Appreciation is expressed to John Kleeberg, curator at the American Numismatic Society, for certain information in connection with the three gold medals offered here.)

Marcel Jovine: The artist has many accomplishments. He designed the 1987-W Constitution Bicentennial $5, 1988-W Olympic $5 (reverse), 1990 Eisenhower Centennial dollar (reverse; model done by Chester Y. Martin from Jovine's design), 1991 Mount Rushmore 50¢ (obverse), 1990 Eisenhower Centennial commemorative dollar (reverse), 1992 Olympic commemorative dollar (reverse).

Jovine, of Closter, New Jersey, was born in Naples, Italy on July 26, 1921, the son of Andrea and Nila Jovine. He attended the University of Naples and the Royal Academy of Turin. During World War II Jovine was a lieutenant in the Italian Army and had his introduction to Americans when he was captured by the British and turned over to Allied forces. After the Italian forces surrendered, Jovine worked in Pennsylvania in an ordnance depot. He then went back to Italy for repatriation. He returned to the United States in 1946 and became a United States citizen in 1951. In September 1946 he married Angela D'Oro, an American of Italian heritage who had worked for the USO during the war. The union produced two children, Marcia and Andrea.

The sculptor advised the present author as follows: "I have had no formal art instruction. I had a natural talent and developed my own style." Since the 1950s Marcel Jovine has achieved international stature as a creator of medals noted for detail and historical authenticity, producing more than 100 medal designs from 1975 to 1990. Many of these have become collectors' items including a series of calendar medals for the Medallic Art Company and medals for the 1980 Winter Olympics held at Lake Placid, NY, the Freedom Train Commission (1976), and the Thoroughbred Racing Association (1982). Jovine was selected by the American Numismatic Society in 1985 as the recipient of the J. Stanford Saltus Award presented for life achievement in medallic art. From January 1988 until January 1991 he served as president of the National Sculpture Society. Marcel Jovine is also a painter and musician.

Landmark 1986 ANS Medal in Gold

Statue of Liberty

One of Two Struck

Enlarge

2094     American Numismatic Society, 1986. Gold medal. Statue of Liberty. Dies by E. Daub. Number 2. 21.05 troy ounces, 18 karat gold. Elliptical shape measuring 102.2 mm. wide and 79.1 mm. high Condition as issued, bright yellow gold with matte finish. Struck by the Medallic Art Co. The obverse depicts a close-in view of the face and spiked coronet of the Statue of Liberty, face forward toward the viewer. The dates 1886-1986 are at the lower right; the first representing the year of dedication of Bartholdi's famous statue, at first called Liberty Enlightening the World; parts of the statue, unfinished, had been displayed at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. The reverse shows the artist's own representation of flames coming from the top of Miss Liberty's torch (quite unlike that actually on the statue). The representation is in high relief.

There were but two struck in gold of this beautiful and impressive medal. Both were purchased by Harry Bass. One was donated by him to the American Numismatic Society as part of a special ceremony, and the other is offered here-representing a unique opportunity to acquire one in the private sector.

Most readers of the present catalogue will remember well the 1986 festivities surrounding the centennial of the statue's dedication, the justifiable glorification of the fund-raising accomplishments of Lee Iacocca, the tall ships in New York City harbor, and more. We still have nice memories of a fine dinner hosted by the American Numismatic Society in a private facility high atop the World Trade Center in connection with the event.

Landmark 1992 ANS Medal in Gold

Voyage of Columbus

One of Two Struck

Enlarge

2095     American Numismatic Society medal, 1992. 18 karat gold. Condition as issued; bright gold relief areas, matte fields. Plain edge. Number 2 on edge. 67.6 x 67.4 mm. 17.29 troy ounces. A medal of somewhat abstract design, signed N.D., commemorating the quincentenary of Columbus' "discovery" of America.

There were but two struck in gold of this beautiful and impressive medal. Both were purchased by Harry Bass. One was donated by him to the American Numismatic Society, and the other is offered here-representing a unique opportunity to acquire one in the private sector.

The medal is nearly square in shape, and has a sculpted or curved shape (the fields are not flat). The obverse has at the upper left the incuse date 1492, at the right the billowed sails of a ship, and below, in raised script, Voyage of Columbus. The reverse depicts the head of an unidentified bird, such as a gull or albatross, the date 1992 incuse, and at the bottom in raised handwriting-like script, The American Numismatic / Society. The medal is one of the "new school" style of medals in which just about anything goes; quite different from the round or plaque-shaped medals of yesteryear, but yielding some very interesting and artistic results, as anyone who has skimmed through a F.I.D.E.M. catalogue can verify. Such medals are a blending of medallic and sculptural art.

Enlarge

2096     Charles Edward Anthon, LL.D. Large 67.9 mm diameter, 1,874.2 grains, bronze medal by Swedish engraver Lea Ahlborn, issued by the American Numismatic and Archaeological Society, 1884, observing his life and his presidency of the Society (1869-1883). Lovely bronze Proof. Only 66 specimens were struck.

In the East in the 1870s and 1880s, Anthon was as well known in numismatics as George Washington was in American politics. He was the eminence, the scholar, the authority, not especially on United States coins, but for the much wider range of world coinage and ancient issues. Similar to J.J. Mickley, Anthon was multi-lingual, and it is easy to envision him lapsing into Latin or French to emphasize a point.

Born on December 6, 1822, in New York City, he was the son of prominent New York attorney John Anthon and the nephew of famous classical scholar Charles Anthon (with whom he is sometimes confused; his uncle was a professor at Columbia University, the same place where our Charles graduated at the age of 16; Uncle Charles wrote reference books on the Greek language that are still useful today). After graduating from college, Charles E. Anthon spent several years in Europe, where he frequented libraries, museums, and educational institutions, along with enough sightseeing to permit him to write a book, A Pilgrimage to Treves, through the Valley of the Meuse and the Forest of Ardennes in the Year 1844. Returning to the United States, he held a chair of history at St. John's College, Annapolis.

In 1865 he became a coin collector, and, no doubt, already knew how to pronounce numismatist, for by that time he was a learned man and, in fact, by that time he had been a professor of history and belles-lettres at the New York Free Academy (later became the College in 1866 then University of the City of New York) since about 1852. In 1866, he was awarded a Doctorate of Laws degree by the University of the City of New York, thus accounting for the "LL.D." on his medal.

Regarding his numismatic accomplishments, we will skip over them lightly here, but will state that they were immense, and anyone seeking more information has but to dig into some old copies of the American Journal of Numismatics, which in the 19th century was not only a "learned journal," but also a publication with delightful and interesting content, often opinionated (reflecting the diversity of its contributors), but always worthwhile. As an aside, it is our hope that the proprietors of the revivified American Journal of Numismatics, which is at last reappearing with multiple articles in several disciplines, will revisit the old issues and endeavor to rekindle the spirit that was once within its pages. American Journal of Numismatics was at one time a truly wonderful journal (your editor treasures his full set from the first year of issue, 1866, onward), and as the Society at present has a wonderful and talented staff, it is our modest hope that the "glories of yesteryear" can be brought back to life.

Refocusing upon Anthon, he died in Bremen, Germany, in June 7, 1883. His obituary-a fine source of further information-was printed in American Journal of Numismatics, July 1883, pp. 22-23.

2097     Charles Edward Anthon, LL.D. Duplicate of preceding, 1884, bronze Proof. Diameter: 67.7 mm, weight 1880.5 grains.

2098     Arnold Numismatic Co. Group of tokens from this early 20th century Providence, Rhode Island, dealer. Silver, copper (2), brass, aluminum (4), and one fiber. Prooflike Mint State, some with attractive toning. (Total: 9 pieces)

The obverse of these medals is from the same die, with Arnold's crest, a statement that the firm dates from 1879, etc. Two reverses were used, one advertising a catalogue for 10 cents and the other with the price raised to 15 cents.

In the annals of our hobby, very little has been written about this firm, although in its time it was quite important. The progenitor was George Carpenter Arnold, who began in the rare coin business in 1879, by the 1880s trading under his own name at 165 Broadway, Providence.

An early-day equivalent of today's Littleton Coin Co., the Arnold Numismatic Co. (as it came to be known) was a large supplier of interesting and rare coins to the general public in addition to the numismatic community. To be sure, rarities were sometimes on hand-we might mention an impressive 1855 Kellogg & Co. $50 in stock in 1905-but the firm's forte was purchasing quantity items (such as unsold remainders of 1893 Isabella quarter dollars), and marketing them through price lists and catalogues outside of the numismatic fraternity. Thus, on January 6, 1902, we see Arnold himself calling upon the Philadelphia Mint to purchase quantities of the brand-new coinage for the year, a supply of cents, nickels, and quarters. Perhaps, similar to David U. Proskey, he bought unsold Proof coins from the year before; it was the Mint's practice to move these out to dealers, rather than "spend" them in circulation.

On September 7, 1904, his collection-or, perhaps a collection he had bought and consigned-was auctioned by Lyman H. Low. Arnold seems to have liked colonial coins, and in 1923 he prepared a paper on them for presentation at the ANA Convention in Montreal, and in 1927 his article, "Connecticut Colonial Coins," was published in The Numismatist.

2099     Boston Numismatic Society medals. A threesome from Isaac F. Wood's memorial series. One example each in silver, copper, and brass. Average grade MS-63 PL. The design commemorates the Boston Numismatic Society, instituted in 1860 and incorporated in 1870, and on the other side, the establishment of the New England Historic Genealogical Society in 1845. As is noted below, both societies had a close association. (Total: 3 pieces)

The Boston Numismatic Society was founded on March 3, 1860. Among those present at the creation were Winslow Lewis, Joseph M. Finotti, John Kimball Wiggin, Jeremiah Colburn, Henry Davenport, William Eliot Lamb, Augustine Shurtleff, Henry Dearborn Fowle, George Williams Pratt, and William Sumner Appleton.

The Bankers' Magazine, June 1860, p. 968, reported this: "Several gentlemen interested in the science of numismatics assembled in Boston, on Saturday, March 3, at the rooms of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, organized themselves into a society to be called the Boston Numismatic Society.… The meetings of the society will be held at Number 13 Bromfield Street on the first Saturday of each month."

Enlarge

2100     F.C.C. Boyd. New York Numismatic Club bronze medal commemorating the establishment of the club in 1908. 466.6 grains; 38.1 mm. AU. The obverse features a relief bust of Boyd, a famous numismatist who served as the president of the club (1916-1917). As Boyd's image does not appear in print often, we illustrate this rather inexpensive medal herewith. The reverse shows two hands, one with a reading glass and the other with a large medal.

The New York Numismatic Club has been a fine gathering spot for collectors for a long time, meeting for a long time in the place where it was organized on December 11, 1908: Keen's Old English Chop House. This restaurant was a popular numismatic gathering spot for years thereafter. Displayed and mounted on the ceiling were hundreds if not thousands of churchwarden pipes belonging to different patrons. The second meeting of the club-usually considered to be the date of founding-in January 1909, saw such numismatists as Joseph Mitchelson, Elliot Smith, Albert R. Frey, Frank Higgins, Edgar H. Adams, D. Macon Webster, Thomas L. Elder, William H. Woodin, George H. Blake, Wayte Raymond, Victor D. Brenner, and Bauman L. Belden in attendance. Later, the club met in other venues.

The present editor (QDB) recalls being a guest at a couple of meetings (in the Princeton Club?) in the company of Ambassador and Mrs. R. Henry Norweb, who lived in Cleveland, but who maintained a home away from home in the River House on New York's Upper East Side.

Enlarge

2101     Victor David Brenner. 1903 Amerigo Vespucci. Rectangular medal by Brenner. Johnson-12. Bronze. 1,471.6 grains; 76 mm width, 58 mm height. Mint or nearly so. Edge numbered 26 (reversed). A rarity, one of just 59 examples produced, and important as such to collectors of medallic issues, as well as students of Brenner's Lincoln cent series.

Obverse with half bust of Vespucci facing right, holding maps and scroll, facing an archipelago marked AMERICA in tiny letters, AMERIGO VESPVCCI and the date at lower right, reverse with nautical scene, early maps and globe, ribbon with AMERICI VESPVCCI AQVILO.

Brenner, a fine sculptor was also very interested in numismatics and on November 19, 1894, signed on as a member of the American Numismatic and Archaeological Society.

Enlarge

2102     Victor David Brenner. 1907 Lincoln plaque by Brenner. Choice AU or so overall. Mounted on a piece of green marble, which is cracked in several places and held together bymounting screws. Easel back stand for desk support still intact. The plaque itself is deep olive-tan to brown with a hint of patina, in excellent shape overall.

Bust of Lincoln to right, ABRAHAM LINCOLN / 1809-1865 below, COPYRIGHT 1907 BY V.D. BRENNER and the artist's monogram appear in smaller letters along the right edge. A popular item, and certainly scarce relative to the market for them (really, every specialist in Lincoln cents should have one!). We have had, perhaps, 10 to 20 such plaques since the 1950s.

Plaque size: 9-3/8" height by 7-1/8" width; marble size: 10-3/4" height by 8-1/2" width.

In 1908, Brenner proposed to President Theodore Roosevelt that his Lincoln portrait be used on a coin. Although Washington and Lincoln had appeared on pattern issues of the 1860s, as of 1908 no American president had ever appeared on a coin made for regular circulation. Roosevelt was intrigued with the idea and suggested that Brenner prepare designs. By early 1909 models had been submitted, and the Mint was busy at work on a new cent. The rest is history.

Enlarge

2103     J.M. Clapp comes to mind. Hand-engraved "love token" depicting an oil well on the obverse of a Liberty Seated quarter dollar. A pin was once connected to the reverse, but is now long lost. Shown is the wooden oil derrick, the delivery pipe, and the large wooden receiving vat.

Harry Bass no doubt picked this up in connection with his own oil business. However, this piece was made long before the days of Spindletop in Texas, and is reminiscent of the oil fields of Venango County, Pennsylvania, where famous numismatist John M. Clapp's oil company was active for a long time, beginning in the early 1860s. Of course, it is highly unlikely this particular token has any connection with Clapp.

Enlarge

2104     Edward Cogan. Bronzed white metal medal commemorating the life of Edward Cogan (1803-1884), well-known Philadelphia rare coin dealer who later moved to Brooklyn. 440.7 grains; 44.8 mm. AU. Issued by the American Numismatic and Archaeological Society, in which he held an honorary membership, a fine reflection of the esteem in which he was held.

Although Cogan was an accomplished fellow and had started his business in the late 1850s, he was not quite the "father of the rare coin trade," as he later stated, nor, as he later stated, did he deal in coins exclusively in the 1850s. However, puffery aside, he was a pivotal, dynamic personality in numismatics from 1858 until his last notable public appearance, as a guest auctioneer and friend at the Chapman brothers' sale of the Bushnell Collection in 1882.

His son George attempted to carry on the business, but, apparently, the acorn had fallen too far from the tree, and his efforts were not attended with success (although in 1883 he did handle some truly fine 1877 pattern half dollars, some of which are offered in the second section of the present catalogue).

2105     Edward Cogan. Undated store card. 48 North 10th Street, Philadelphia. Rulau PA-101. MS-63 BN. Somewhat scarce. Tan with traces of frosty red.

Obverse with EDWARD COGAN/COIN/DEALER/48/N. TENTH ST./PHILADELPHIA. Reverse with THE HIGHEST PREMIUM/GIVEN/FOR RARE/AMERICAN/COPPER &/SILVER COINS. 57.5 grains; 20.4 mm.

Purchased from Goliad Corporation (Mike Brownlee), August 8, 1972.

2106     Robert Downing. Quartette of Civil War tokens issued in Cincinnati by Downing, who advertised as a publisher of sheet songs and dealer of coins: I Fuld-OH-165-AK-02a (copper, RE) I F-OH-165-AK-04b (brass, PE) I F-OH-175-AK-07a (copper, RE) I F-OH-175-AK-07b (brass, RE). (Total: 4 pieces)

Dr. George F. Fuld, upon hearing that Harry Bass was interested in collecting tokens pertaining to numismatists, sent him these four pieces in a single shipment. Much could be written about Downing, and, perhaps, that is a possibility for a future Rare Coin Review.

2107     William F. Dunham: Quartette of William F. Dunham medals, 1919 and 1933, Mint State, two in brass, two in aluminum, variously denominated as ONE MILL (2 pieces), ONE DISME, and 1/10 CENT, in die combinations. (Total: 4 pieces).

Of all old-time numismatists, the name of Dunham is one of the more familiar to modern collectors, due in no small part to the fact that the showcasing of his collection in 1941 by B. Max Mehl resulted in the most acclaimed publication ever issued under the imprint of that well-known Fort Worth dealer.

Dunham, a druggist in Chicago, enjoyed United States coins and endeavored to acquire as many dates and mintmarks as possible. At the same time, he explored the byways of numismatics, including Hard Times tokens and encased postage stamps.

On October 11, 1904, Dunham was in New York City, where at Lyman H. Low's auction of the Brown Collection, he persisted in keeping his hand in the air until the star of the sale-the precious 1804 silver dollar-was bought. This, he said, "completed his collection."

The 1804 silver dollar recently purchased by Dunham of Chicago, "will remain forever" in that city, according to a four- page article in The Numismatist, February 1905, which designated the piece as the "King of Rarities." The article further noted: "For a century it has remained wrapped in silk and tissue paper, waiting all the time, says the present owner, to come into the possession of someone who never would part with it again. In a way the action of the present owner in buying the coin was a patriotic deed. He bought it for the city and says it shall never leave here. When the Field Columbian Museum is housed downtown he will give his collection to that institution. It will never again be for sale."

Dunham's avowed intentions never came to pass, and in the late 1930s he sold his cabinet to B. Max Mehl, who parceled out some of the pieces privately, then put the remainder, comprising the bulk of the collection, including the 1804 dollar, into a large mail bid sale in 1941, as noted above.

The fact that Mehl sold privately certain Dunham coins was not generally known (if, indeed it was known at all), until we spent some time in 1979 researching the book, The History of United States Coinage as Illustrated by the Garrett Collection. In the process, with the aid of David and Susan Tripp, we combed through thousands of papers of the Garrett family, making copies of over 4,000 of them. Along the way, some correspondence with Mehl was found, which indicated such private sale offers. We later learned that certain coins in the Dunham sale were sold to Amon G. Carter, Sr., before the sale, but no mention was made of this, and bidders never knew. Much more could be related (including about the Hard Times tokens in the sale).

Tokens and Medals of Thomas L. Elder

2108     Group of tokens and medals by Thomas L. Elder, many pieces that have been hidden away for years. The group seems to have come from John J. Ford, Jr., and/or New Netherlands Coin Co., and, before that, from F.C.C. Boyd. The pieces, including duplicates, are offered as a single lot.

In The Numismatist in June and July 1980, Thomas K. DeLorey's article, Thomas L. Elder: A Catalogue of His Tokens and Medals, described the pieces known to him, gave a history of each, and listed them by numbers (DeLorey numbers as used in the present offering). A reading of this superb piece of numismatic research brings forth the wish that DeLorey would stop all other activities and do nothing else but delve into obscure nooks and crannies of our hobby. It is very well done.

First, some biographical notes. Then, the medals.

Thomas Lindsay Elder

No biography of Elder-not even a short one-would be complete without mentioning his relationship with Farran Zerbe. At one time they were friends. Later, they became bitter enemies. All was well in August 1906, when in The Numismatist this comment by Farran Zerbe was published, as part of a description of the coin trade in New York City. Zerbe had been zipping here and there around the country for about five years, including setting up a concession at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair (the Lewis and Clark Exposition), and every time he paused for breath, he sent a letter to Dr. George Heath, editor and publisher of The Numismatist, to give his views. Of Elder he wrote in 1906:

"The large artistically arranged and modern equipment of the suite of rooms which Thomas L. Elder devotes to his coin trade are a delight for anyone to visit. Mr. Elder reports good business, in fact too good to give his publication The Elder Monthly the attention it should have. This paper is not as old as its name implies. Like a bunch more of us, Tom says he is sometimes misunderstood. To know him is to appreciate him for his personal qualities, and to quote him: 'My bite is not near as severe as my bark.'"

In time, Zerbe would be bitten.

Thomas L. Elder was born in Dayton, Pennsylvania, on November 22, 1874. At the age of 13 Elder then living in the "small railroad town" of New Bethlehem in the same state, collected Indian arrowheads, tobacco tags, and other curiosities. His father presented him with a small coin collection, which Tom found to be fascinating. The year was 1887. These were times of intense collecting interest in America, and over a dozen periodicals, most of which would prove to be short-lived, sprang up to cater to the needs of those pursuing coins, stamps, relics, birds' eggs, fossils, and other items worthy of study and acquisition.

His dad, who frequently traveled to New York City, would stop at the store of J.W. Scott and buy coins and arrowheads. Meanwhile, teenager Tom looked forward to reading a little periodical [a copy of which your editor has never seen] titled Golden Days. Published or edited by James Elverson, it included an "exchange column" featuring advertisements. Elder placed his own notice, and soon thereafter was corresponding and swapping with the likes of Robert P. King (who was later to become prominent in the study of numismatic items relating to Abraham Lincoln; as an ancillary interest, King also formed a large cabinet of Washington tokens and medals, which we bought in private treaty in the 1950s), R.L. Read (of Attleboro, Massachusetts), and others, including Messrs. W.A. Bodendoerfer, and A.W. Reeves. In 1896, Elder started in a small way to buy and sell coins, realizing that this was a good way to add to his ever-growing cabinet while, hopefully, turning a profit at