Undated H. Alvin Sharpe Medallion. Gold. Inscribed to Recipient 10/8/82. MS-64 (NGC).
47 mm, irregular. 45.21 grams. Obv: Bust of Sharpe left with peripheral inscription OF MOUNTAINS AND DESERTS AND FAR FLUNG SEAS, "signed" H ALVIN SHARPE along lower right border, artist's initials S.J.W. below bust, hallmarks at upper left. Rev: Blank apart from hand-inscribed FOR PHIL / FROM H. ALVIN SHARPE, 10/8/82. This intriguing piece is actually a uniface striking on an irregular gold planchet using the die for the medallion that Sharpe created for the cover of his 1979 book of poetry, Collective Meditations. The struck portion is lustrous with a satin to semi-reflective finish, pretty reddish-rose outlines to the design elements. Otherwise warm medium gold overall, the unstruck potions with a satin to matte-like texture. The first example of this type that we can ever recall handling, and undoubtedly of the highest rarity.