1862 (1977) Great Seal of the Confederacy Medal. Issued by the Society of the Confederacy. cf. Musante GW-564. Silver. No. 109/5000. Mint State.88 mm. 358.0 grams, .925 fine, 10.64 troy ounces ASW. Edge marked (hallmarks) 109/5000 at 2 to 3 oclock. The obverse is sharply defined for this classic design; the reverse shows an incuse and mirror-image view of the obverse design. Both sides exhibit lustrous semi-reflective surfaces with delicate toning in iridescent gold. Faint hairlines in the centers point to light collector handling, but the edge is smooth, and there are no sizeable marks. Housed in the original wooden exterior, bright red plush interior case, approximately 6 inches x 7 inches, as issued by the Society of the Confederacy, Birmingham, Alabama. A thin base metal plaque with a Washington monument view is set into the front of the case. The case actually doubles as a wall-hanging display frame, as the two hinges at left can be removed, and there is a hole in the back exterior of the case (as made) for hanging. The case is in excellent condition apart from a few minor signs of handling here and there around the exterior.<p>The original seal design was finalized on April 30, 1863, and features an equestrian Washington portrait at center, with the inscription, THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA : 22 FEBRUARY 1862 * DEO VINDICE * around. Readers of this sale will likely know that February 22 was Washingtons birthday, but it was also the day selected for CSA President Jefferson Davis inauguration. The original embossing dies were produced by Joseph S. Wyon in England, and shipped to the Confederate States. This modern copy in silver was issued by the Society of the Confederacy, as above, with a mintage of 5,000. The example offered here is accompanied by copies of the original purchase receipt, dated May 2, 1977, and an informational paper on the Great Seal. (Total: 1 medal; 1 case; copies of 2 supporting documents)
