1850 Henry Clay-Compromise Medal. Julian PE-7. Copper, Bronzed. Choice Mint State.
89.4 mm. A rarity among Clay medals, a fine and elusive production by Charles Cushing Wright. These dies were produced on behalf of the city of New York, who awarded a gold medal to Clay in February 1852, just months before his death. The unique gold medal given to Clay was, however, not satisfactory to C.C. Wright, who asked for the medal back to correct a misordering of the timeline on the reverse. On its way back to New York, the gold medal was stolen and lost. The reverse die was corrected, and one gold medal was struck from the newly amended reverse, in addition to 150 bronzes like this one. At a price of $30, insanely steep at the time, it's doubtful all the bronzes were sold. They were rare enough in the 19th century to be copied as electrotypes, which are now seen more often than the struck medals. The unique gold medal was sold in a September 2016 auction for $346,000. We last offered a struck bronze in our September 2010 Americana Sale, bringing $1,092.50. This example, with lightly reflective and smooth deep mahogany surfaces, shows some obverse die rust or spalling typical of these. A minuscule bruise is noted on the reverse rim at 9 o'clock, invisible from the edge or a standard view of the reverse. The eye appeal is excellent, making this a prime target for collectors of rare US Mint productions or the medallic masterpieces made by Charles Cushing Wright.
From the Harry and Phyllis Salyards Collection.

Estimate: $800