"1846" The Mexican War / Loss of the Somers. Silver. 58 mm. 94.5 grams. Julian NA-24. Extremely Fine, Edge Bruises.

The exergual area on the reverse is inscribed to T. IBBOTSON. Light to moderate high point rub, wispy handling marks and faint hairlines from an ancient cleaning suggest that this medal was lovingly handled by its original recipient, perhaps even carried as a pocket piece for a period of time. Several shallow edge bruises on both sides further confirm this theory. Originally toned in warm, even silver gray, direct lighting calls forth pale pink undertones throughout, as well as more vivid olive-blue highlights here and there around the peripheries. Authorized by Congress on March 3, 1847, production of the Loss of the Somers medal did not commence until the fall of 1850. The original reverse die prepared by Wright contained an engraving error in the legend: PRO VITA AMERICANA PRESERVANDA (For Having Saved An American Life) instead of PRO VITIS AMERICANORUM CONSERVATIS (For Having Saved American Lives). When the error was discovered at the Navy Department, Wright was forced to prepare a completely new reverse die, which promptly cracked when being hardened at the Mint. Wright presumably prepared yet a third reverse die, from which the ordered 10 gold and 100 silver impressions were produced. These pieces were first offered for sale in 1861. This silver piece, from the properly prepared reverse die, presents quite well despite the aforementioned evidence of handling. Sure to have no difficulty finding its way into a specialized cabinet.