"1846" The Mexican War / Loss of the Somers Medal. Julian NA-24. Silver. MS-61 (PCGS).
57 mm. Desirable quality for this classic Naval medal. Both sides exhibit a base of pearl-gray patina with iridescent reddish-gold and steel-olive overtones that are most pronounced at the peripheries. Modestly semi-reflective in the fields, the design elements are frosty and sharply rendered. Wispy handling marks and some muting to the finish explain the MS-61 grade from PCGS, the upper and lower reverse field areas showing the only singularly notable blemishes. Authorized by Congress on March 3, 1847, production of the Loss of the Somers medal did not commence until the fall of 1850. The original reverse die prepared by Wright contained an engraving error in the legend: PRO VITA AMERICANA PRESERVANDA (For Having Saved An American Life) instead of PRO VITIS AMERICANORUM CONSERVATIS (For Having Saved American Lives). When the error was discovered at the Navy Department, Wright was forced to prepare a completely new reverse die, which promptly cracked when being hardened at the Mint. Wright presumably prepared yet a third reverse die, from which the ordered 10 gold and 100 silver impressions were finally struck. These pieces were first offered for sale in 1861. This silver piece, from the properly prepared reverse die, is well preserved and would fit nicely into a specialized cabinet.

Estimate: $8000