1917 State Department Life Saving Medal. First Class. By George T. Morgan. Julian LS-3. Gold. About Uncirculated, Polished, Hanger Detached.

35.5 mm, medal only. 26.16 grams, .900 fine, 23.54 grams AGW. Pinback brooch suspension with E PLURIBUS UNUM on header in matte and glossy finish, while present, is detached from the medal. The original clawfoot hanger is still attached to the medal, yet slightly bent. Medal surfaces bright medium gold, light hairlining and a curiously glossy texture explain our qualifier. The central reverse is inscribed to the recipient TO / JOHN DONALD / SEAMAN / OF THE BRITISH STEAMSHIP / RUEL, / IN RECOGNITION OF HIS HEROIC / SERVICES IN EFFECTING THE RESCUE / AT SEA ON DECEMBER 10 - 1917, / OF THE MASTER AND CREW / OF THE / AMERICAN / GOVERNMENT / BARGE NO 5. A rare and desirable governmental lifesaving award, this particular issue also holds the distinction of being the only gold Mint medal struck in .900 fine gold, as used on the standard coinage, while other issues were generally in pure gold.

Estimate: $3’000.00