1881 American Numismatic Society Cleopatras Needle Medal. White Metal. 41.2 mm. Miller-5, Johnson-Unlisted. Prooflike Mint State.Obv: Eagle over Federal and New York City Arms gazes toward a towering obelisk against a radiant field. Rev: Eleven-line inscription recording the obelisks erection by Pharaoh Thothmes III at Heliopolis, relocation to Alexandria by Roman Emperor Augustus, and transport to New York in 1881. Egyptian Khedive (Viceroy) Ismail (Ismael Pasha 1830-1895) presented this obelisk to the United States and a group of wealthy New Yorkers led by William H. Vanderbilt financed relocation of the multi-ton ancient stone relic to New York Citys Central Park. Still housed in a descriptive presentation folder personally inscribed to James Houghton Strong by the American Numismatic and Archaeological Society of New York. One cover of the presentation holder is missing, but what remains is pleasingly fresh and attractive. This medal itself is remarkably well preserved with brilliant mirror-like fields on both sides. Only 100 examples of this medal were produced to be presented to honor students from New York City schools.
