1865 French Tribute Medal to Abraham Lincoln. By F. Magniadas. Cunningham 9-010Bz, King-245. Bronze. Choice Mint State.

83 mm. Beautiful autumn-brown patina with slight marbling to the color. The surfaces are satiny and smooth to allow one's eye to focus on the well executed and visually impressive design. Traces of die rust are evident at the lower reverse border. These were struck in Switzerland after French Emperor Napoleon III refused to permit their striking at the Paris Mint. They were produced on subscription only, and in very limited numbers. A single gold striking was presented to Mary Lincoln, the president's widow, by a committee representing French citizens who admired her late husband. Substantial in both size and elegance of design, the scarcity of bronze impressions further enhances the desirability of the offered specimen. This lot includes a tattered page from the Winter 1975 Fixed Price List of International Collectors Service titled "Important Early American Medals" which includes information about this medallic type.

Estimate: $ 1500