FRANCE. Matte Silver Statue of Liberty Inaugurated Medal, 1886. NGC MS-64 Secure Holder.68mm. Maier-92 var., Baxter-30 (in bronze). Obverse: Small angel, in French Republican cap, transports twin goddesses (France and USA) to the Statue of Liberty, in shadowy focus in the background. "Colossal Statue of Liberty Enlightens the World." Date of Inauguration (28 Octobre MDCCCLXXXVI) in field. Reverse: National Shields flank a medallion of the sculptor, Bartholdi, a laurel sprig below, SOUVENIR DE LINDEPENDENCE AMERICAINE, dates 1776 and 1886, etc. Issue of the Union Franco-Americaine, whose <em>raison detre</em> was to commission the statue, in tribute to the long amity of the two nations. This was very important to France, as indicated by the selection of national hero Ferdinand de Lesseps, of Suez Canal fame, as the Unions second president. As is well known, Bartholdi was the sculptor and Gustave Eiffel made sure the statue stood up. Artistically, this is the finest Statue of Liberty medal, and perhaps the most beautiful French medal with an American theme. Occasionally seen in bronze, at about $400-500, with silver examples being <strong>RARE</strong>, by a factor of at least three. This example is magnificently presented with perfect detail, deep tone and minimal evidence of handling for the grade.NGC MS-64.
