1834 Death of General Lafayette American Eagle Medal. Musante GW-147, Baker-55A. White Metal. Engrailed Edge. Unc Details--Environmental Damage (PCGS).

50 mm. Mint State, but with light discoloration around the obverse periphery, due to the chemically active nature of tin metal. Most examples of this type that we have handled are so affected. The details on both sides are sharply defined and well executed. This medal is known with a diagonally reeded edge as seen here, as well as with a plain edge. The Rulau-Fuld revision of Baker suggests that the plain edge variant is scarcer, and appearances do seem to support this somewhat. Though, in reality, it is not that important a consideration, as only the most serious students of early Washington pieces would require both styles. What is important is that this example is among the most highly regarded of the type and thus suitable for the cabinet of a connoisseur. signed J.H.H. beneath the bust, for John H. Henning who apparently engraved this as a memorial to the first seven American presidents, but added General Lafayette after he died on May 20th. That Lafayette would be added to such a medal is quite a testament to how he was viewed half a century after the Revolution, and a decade after his triumphant return visit to the United States.

From our (Bowers and Ruddy's) sale of the Garrett Collection for The Johns Hopkins University, Part IV, March 1981, lot 1750. Lot tag included.