1906 Benjamin Franklin Birth Centennial Medal. Bronze. 100 mm. By Augustus and Louis Saint-Gaudens. Greenslet GM-118. Rarity-4. TIFFANY Edge. MS-63 BN (NGC).，Obv: Franklin bust left between palms, PRINTER. PHILOSOPHER. / SCIENTIST. STATESMAN / DIPLOMATIST. Rev: seated History inscribes shield with Latin HE TOOK LIGHTNING FROM THE HEAVENS AND THE SCEPTER FROM THE TYRANT as Literature, Science and Philosophy look on. By Louis Saint-Gaudens. Struck by Tiffany & Co. pursuant to Act of Congress with an outstanding classic design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens brother, one of the most beautiful and rare modern Franklin medals, as impressive for its size and heft as it is for its beautifully rendered design. Deep chocolate brown bronze that is just a bit lighter on the highest points, while darker olive patina and traces of verdigris are noted in the protected recesses. A lovely piece with the aesthetic expected of a century old art bronze.<p>From our (Stacks) September 2011 Americana Sale, lot 277.
