Undated (1858) Cyrus W. Field Laying of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable Medal. First Reverse. Bronze. 51 mm. By George Hampden Lovett, Published by Augustus B. Sage. Specimen-62 (PCGS).

Obv: Wreathed bust of Field facing right, name above, signed G.H. LOVETT N.Y,. below bust, A.B. SAGE PUB. along lower right border. Rev: Wreath encircles central inscription PRESENTED / TO / CYRUS W. FIELD / BY A FEW OF HIS FRIENDS / IN / NEW YORK, FOR / HIS PERSEVERANCE IN / SUPERINTG THE LAYING / OF THE / ATLANTIC TELEGH / CABLE. Second inscription NIL DESPERANDUM, PERSEVERANTI VINCIT. along upper border, 13 stars along lower border. A second example from these dies, presumed to be rarer than its Second Reverse counterpart by Bowers in his 1998 reference on Sage medals. This piece exhibits dominant reddish-copper patina on the obverse, while the reverse has lighter rose and golden-copper toning. Both sides exhibit light surface build up in the protected areas around and within the design elements, a few spots on the obverse, light hairlines on the reverse. Sharply defined overall with the bisecting die crack on the reverse readily evident.

From the Q. David Bowers Collection.