Undated (1860-1874) State Department Life Saving Medal. Bronzed Copper. 67 mm. By Salathiel Ellis, after Leutze. Julian LS-1. MS-63 BN (NGC).A gorgeous mahogany-brown example with boldly rendered features and a rich satin texture. Near-Gem quality were it not for a few faint spots and a couple of tiny handling marks in the fields on both sides. Thirty four bronze medals of this type were struck for official use, as well as an unknown number of additional examples for sale to the public. Survivors are quite rare today. The designer of this medal, Leutze, is best known for his famous painting of Washington crossing the Delaware.
