1876 United States Diplomatic Medal. Bronze. 68 mm. Julian CM-15. MS-66BN (NGC).，A U.S. Mint copy of the famous and excessively rare original medal struck in Paris, in 1792, the result of efforts of then Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson. Just four originals are known of this highly important medallic work, from dies executed by Augustin Dupre, and many years can pass between offerings. Indeed, we are aware of no offerings between the sale of the Charles Bushnell example in 1882 and its reappearance in the Garrett sales in 1981-nearly a century without an opportunity! The most recent to sell publicly was in our October 2015 sale where one brought $188,000. As a result of the great rarity of the originals, examples such as this one from Charles Barbers fine 1876 copy dies, enjoy great demand and are rightfully prized, especially in the fine condition seen here. The surfaces are deep golden brown with flecks of faded tan mottled throughout the fields. A couple of tiny spots are noted but there really are no handling marks worthy of mention and the aesthetic appeal is quite superb. An impressive example of this exceptional medallic work.Donated by Stanley DeForest Scott to benefit the endowment campaign for the Executive Director position at the American Numismatic Society.
