Extremely Rare 1832 Tinsmith's Medal
Distributed at the Philadelphia Civic Procession
1832 Tinsmith Medal. Musante GW-138, Baker-161. Tin. Choice Very Fine.
32.6 mm. 43.7 grains. Fairly evenly pested over much of the surface giving this a matte, deep gray finish, though traces of brilliant shimmering tin are noted in some of the peripheral recesses. One small earthen spot is noted at the GT of WASHINGTON. Struck on a very thin flan with rims crimped somewhat unevenly and evidence of a light bend left of the portrait, though this is barely a distraction at all. Shallowly defined features, as typical of this fairly crudely made issue, but rarely is an example seen! Like the medals for the 1832 Philadelphia Civic Procession issued by the Gold and Silver Artificers, this issue was struck on a parade float during the procession and distributed through the air to spectators along the route. This, in concern with their susceptibility to pesting and their overall fragile nature goes far to explain their significant rarity. This is only the third example we have handled in perhaps a couple of decades, and it is a type missing from many collections altogether.
From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex an unidentified seller, via Stack's, January 2007.
Price realized | 2'400 USD |
Starting price | 1 USD |
Estimate | 5'000 USD |