1792 Danish West Indies Abolition of the Slave Trade Medal. Bergsoe 4. Silver, 56.6 mm. AU-53 (PCGS). 1347.6 grains. A medal that transcends the worlds of numismatics, artistic portraiture, and historical artifacts, struck to mark the end of the slave trade to the Danish West Indies. Attractive light to medium silver gray with some darker toning at upper left obverse and upper left reverse. Struck in bold relief, but showing minimal high point friction on both sides. Both sides show significant hairlines, all muted by time, and the obverse shows many small contact marks. Some more significant scratches are seen in the left obverse field, in front of the portrait, while on the reverse the most significant scratch curves across the jug handle. Double struck to bring up the prominent relief, most notable at the obverse periphery and reverse exergue. An attractive piece overall, but one whose visual appeal pales when compared to its historical importance.<p><p>The Edict of Abolition of the Slave Trade was issued by the Danish Crown Prince, later King Frederik VI, on March 16, 1792, to become fully effective January 1, 1793. Prohibition of the slave trade in the Danish possessions preceded abolition of slavery itself by 56 years. PCGS# 921212. <strong>To view supplemental information and all items from the Sydney F. Martin Collection, click<a href="https://stacksbowers.com/sydney-f-martin-collection/"target=’_blank’> here.</a></strong> From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from Europe, via John Kraljevich and Andy Lustig, January 2012; Stacks Bowers Galleries, March 2012.
