1819 Benjamin Franklin Series Numismatica Medal. Greenslet GM-43. Silver SP-63 (PCGS).

41.1 mm. Plain edge. A Franklin medal of the highest rarity. There are several varieties of the Franklin Series Numismatica medals, all essentially uncollectible in silver. This one spells Franklin's first name BENJAMINUS, shows the signature of GODEL F. high under the bust truncation, and shows the name DURAND mostly effaced from beneath the portrait relief at Franklin's shoulder. There are actually two (at least) different obverse dies by Godel with the BENJAMINUS spelling; see our August 2013 Ford sale, lot 21272, for another, cataloged as Greenslet GM-45 on the basis of its slightly variant reverse but it's reasonable to assume that obverse may exist with the GM-43 reverse as well. The other obverse shows a slightly different portrait (notable for its differently rendered neck wattle) and GODEL F. is at 6:00 instead of closer to 5:00. This example is lovely, with superb old cabinet toning with blue and violet highlights, mostly deep gray but lighter and more reflective on the reverse than the obverse. The eye appeal is superb, and no significant flaws are seen. A rare and attractive medal, one we haven't handled in this composition since we sold this exact piece 13 years ago.

From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from our (Stack's) Americana sale of January 2008, lot 7165.