1876 United States Diplomatic Medal. 20th Century Restrike. Yellow Bronze. 68 mm. By Augustin Dupre. Julian CM-15. About Uncirculated, Edge Damage.Handsome antique brassy-gold patina to both sides, the surfaces with the finely granular finish applied to many 20th century restrikes of popular U.S. Mint medal types. A bit subdued and somewhat matte-like in appearance, a few faint carbon spots are easily overlooked. More significant are a series of tiny indentations on the edge between 2 and 3 oclock relative to the obverse, as well as a couple of shallow rim nicks at 1 oclock on the reverse. A light stain on the edge at 9 oclock relative to the obverse is also noted for accuracy. Sharply defined with just a hint of rub to the high points, this is a handsome piece overall and a desirable modern restrike of one of the rarest and most eagerly sought U.S. Mint medals.<p><p>This piece is inscribed on the edge A. CYRILL CRILLEY / CONFIRMED 22 JUNE 1947. Crilley (1902-1951) led a life of service to his country. He served in various mainly Latin American diplomatic posts before WWII, then served in the United States Navy (eventually reaching the rank of Commander in the Naval Reserve), then returning to public service after the war. The inscription on the edge of this medal probably refers to his appointment as Chief of the State Department Division of Reporting Services. While serving in that position he was chosen to be the Special Assistant to Dr. Henry Garland and a team of other Americans who were being sent to Iran to formulate "Point IV", a program of technical cooperation aimed at "contributing to the happiness & prosperity of the Iranian People". Tragically, the aircraft the team was traveling in crashed during a heavy snowstorm while trying to land in Tehran on December 22, 1951, and all aboard were killed.<p><p><p><p>
