"1776" (ca. 1912?) Washington Before Boston Medal. Fifth Paris Mint Issue. First Issued Obverse (In Repaired State) / Third Issued Reverse (In Repaired State). Musante GW-09-P4, var., Baker-48H, var. Gilt Bronze. Edge: (cornucopia) and BRONZE. Choice Mint State.

68.5 mm, 2769.6 grains. In original plush case of issue and neatly inscribed on the edge: LE COMITÉ FRANCE-AMÉRIQUE À S. EXC. MYRON T. HERRICK. An extremely attractive medal with complete, virtually pristine gilding over the fine matte surfaces. No surface marks are noted, and both sides are fully brilliant. A very beautiful specimen that has been remarkably well cared for. Even the original case is nicely preserved, with just the slightest evidence of handling and what appears to be a light pencil mark on the cover. The latches are intact and tight. The reverse die exhibits breaks over H and O of HOSTIBUS. This is one of two examples we have handled of these gilt presentation specimens, the other was in our November 2019 sale. This piece was last offered in our January 2009 Americana sale, lot 5552. Myron T. Herrick was the U.S. Ambassador to France, serving from 1912 to 1914, and again from 1921 to 1929. The medal was likely presented at the time of his first appointment, or perhaps in 1914 as recognition of his service as he completed that appointment. There is reason to believe that the example we offered in November 2019 was presented around 1914, so alignment with Herrick's first appointment would make the awards contemporary, which they almost certainly were. While far more modern than the coveted original Washington Before Boston medals, this is a very elegant expression of the design and clearly used in a somewhat official capacity. Rare and beautiful! Also included is an engraving of the Washington Before Boston medal, along with Washington's coat of arms. The engraving is taken from an unknown book, and a penciled notation at the bottom dates it to 1850. A neat piece suitable for framing. Some light foxing in the lower third but this has little effect on the medal engraving.

From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from our (Stack's) sale of January 2009, lot 5552.

Estimate: $ 500