Washingtoniana
1858 Lancaster County Agricultural and Mechanical Society Award Medal. Musante GW-239, Baker-339, Julian AM-27. Silver. Plain edge. SP-61 (PCGS).
45.1 mm. 544.2 grains. Awarded in 1860 and inscribed on the reverse to: ADAM R. BARR / FOR / COLEMAN’S FARM / CHOPPING / MILL /1860. Dark gray with mottled highlights of steel, blue and golden brown on both sides. Though lightly hairlined and a bit handled as is usual for a medal awarded into non-numismatic hands, this piece is nicer than some seen. Traces of appealing prooflike character remain in the fields, the definition is bold throughout and the high narrow rims still feel somewhat sharp to the touch. A desirable type that was struck in silver and bronze at the U.S. Mint in 1859 and 1860. Mint records indicate that just 85 were struck in silver. A few more were produced in bronze, but neither is offered frequently. In fact, the Baker Collection included only an unissued bronze. The very best one can get is an attractive and issued silver one, as here. Adam Barr was awarded at least two of these in 1860, the other being a bronze for “Best Display of Leeds Bone Dust Lime &c.”
PCGS# 826358.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from Robert Hewitt, Esq., Thomas Elder, March 1914, lot 528; our (Bowers and Ruddy's) sale of the Stanley DeForest Scott Collection, June 1975, lot 548.
Estimate: $1200