"1859" (ca. 1860) John Brown Memorial Medal. By Jean Wurden. Bronze. MS-66 BN (NGC).
58 mm. Obv: Bust of the martyred abolitionist with peripheral inscription JOHN BROWN, NE A / TORRINGTON LE 9 MAI 1800. Signed by the artist J. WURDEN under bust truncation. Rev: Multi-line inscription in French describing Brown's life and adventures, which may be read as, ''To the memory of John Brown, judicially assassinated at Charleston on December 2, 1859, and to that of his dead sons and companions, victims of their devotion to the cause of liberty for the blacks.'' Gorgeous mahogany-brown surfaces with a satiny and smooth texture. One gold medal was struck and presented to Brown's widow. Silver medals were sold by subscription, but in limited numbers. Unknown rarity for these in bronze, probably not as rare as the silver ones, although still very infrequently seen offered for sale.