1836 First Steam Coinage Medal. By Christian Gobrecht. Julian MT-20. Original Feb. 22 Date. Bronze--Double Struck--About Uncirculated.
27 mm. A particularly intriguing example of this elusive U.S. Mint medal. Both sides are dramatically double struck, a feature best seen when the design elements are scrutinized with the aid of a loupe. There is counterclockwise rotation between the first and second impressions, a feature that is clearest around the reverse periphery, where appreciable spread is discernible to the doubling. The second strike is well executed with all features bold in the absence of all but a trace of light rub. Frosty with nice gloss, the in hand appearance is smooth apart from a tiny dig in the center of the reverse and an equally trivial rim disturbance at 7 o'clock on that side that we mention solely for accuracy. Sure to sell for a strong premium to an advanced collector. This U.S. Mint rarity was struck as a sample from the original Feb. 22 die before mechanical problems with the new press forced the postponement of its inauguration ceremony to March 23. The die was recut to read March 23 to adjust for the change, with all later pieces bearing the new date. The few known pieces with the original date are typically worn and/or impaired, perhaps because with the date change they had no real purpose, and since they were struck on large cent planchets were tempting to spend, fitting in among the Hard Times tokens in everyday circulation at the time.