Exciting news for coin collectors and numismatists alike as a rare silver Abraham Lincoln presidential medal is set to go under the hammer in an upcoming online auction by Early American History Auctions. Identified as the only silver Original Lincoln medal from the Philadelphia Mint available to collectors, this piece is sure to attract attention from enthusiasts around the world.
The 76-millimeter medal, cataloged as Julian PR-12 in Medals of the United States Mint: The First Century 1792-1892 by R.W. Julian, has been authenticated and encapsulated by the esteemed Numismatic Guaranty Corp. as "Genuine." With a description of Choice Extremely Fine, this medal is a true gem in the world of numismatics.
Struck in 1886 at the Philadelphia Mint to commemorate Lincoln's second term as the President of the United States, this medal was designed and engraved by the talented U.S. Mint Engraver George T. Morgan. The obverse features a right-facing portrait of the 16th president, while the reverse showcases an intricate decorative wreath surrounding inscriptions detailing Lincoln's presidency and tragic assassination.
It's fascinating to note that the Original Lincoln medal was initially produced without Morgan's name on the truncation of Lincoln's portrait. However, when Morgan was promoted to chief engraver in 1917, his name was added to the tooling for subsequent productions of the medal, adding an extra layer of historical significance to this rare piece.
With an estimate ranging from $38,000 to $46,000, this silver Lincoln medal is undoubtedly the star of the upcoming auction, which features a total of 418 lots for collectors to peruse and bid on. Among the other notable lots is the finer of only two known examples of the F. Buhl & Co. 24-cent encased postage token, a brass encasement advertising the Detroit hatter and furrier.
Michael Hodder, in The Standard Catalogue of Encased Postage Stamps, attributes this unique piece as EP-162. The encasement secures a 24-cent George Washington postage stamp, making it a rare and valuable addition to any collection. The significance of these items lies not only in their rarity but also in the historical context they provide for collectors and enthusiasts.
As the auction date approaches, anticipation is high among collectors who are eager to add these rare and historically significant pieces to their collections. The opportunity to acquire such unique items is a rare and exciting prospect in the world of numismatics, making this auction a must-watch event for enthusiasts around the globe.