1850 Henry Clay - Compromise Medal. Julian PE-7. Copper, Bronzed. Specimen-64 (PCGS).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, its 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 Spring 2025 Auction, bringing $1,920. This example, with lightly reflective and smooth autumn-brown and warmer mahogany surfaces, shows some obverse die rust or spalling typical of these. There are no handling marks or other blemishes of note, and the eye appeal is excellent. This is a prime target for collectors of rare U.S. Mint productions or the medallic masterpieces made by Charles Cushing Wright. The original case is included, but while it is complete, the lid is detached from the base, and there is considerable external scuffing and chipping to the leather. (Total: 1 medal; 1 case)From the Estate of Rex Stark.
