Pair of 1899 New York Johann Gutenberg Statue Medals. Silver and Copper. 69.7 mm. The silver example 141.4 grams. By Anton Scharff. Baxter-272.Obv: Detailed high relief bust right, full name around with year and place of birth in right field. Rev: Full-length view of statue and inscription THE FIRST / AMERICAN STATUE / OF GUTENBERG to the left and ERECTED / IN NEW-YORK / BY ROBERT HOE 1899. An exceptional portrait medal by the Austrian Scharff, issued at the behest of Richard Hoe of the Grolier Club. The statue this medal commemorates once stood on Grand Street at the printing press factory owned by Hoe. The current location of the statue is a bit of a mystery. An impressive piece, it seems unlikely to have been destroyed. The bronze medal in this pair is in choice Uncirculated condition, with attractive chocolate patina and no problems of note. The silver piece is nearly as nice, with just the slightest rub to the higher parts of the design, but there are 3 spots on the reverse rim where it appears that some sort of a mount has been removed. Still, quite attractive.