PHILIPPINES. Japanese Occupation. Silver Homma Medal, ND (1942). By: C. Zamora. PCGS MS-62 Gold Shield.Honeycutt-310; Basso-150; Czahor-SB(1) Obverse/SB(4) Reverse. Type II, Reeded Edge. Variety with two blades of grass leaning left between soldiers leg and pole, palm frond sequence: 13-4-6-11-8, star touches 16th band of first tree. The types with reeded edge appear to be overstruck on earlier coins, primarily early issues of the U.S. administration of the Philippines. An EXTREMELY RARE type in any grade not to mention this elite state of preservation. Struck to commemorate the fall of Bataan and Corregidor by General Masaharu Homma, the Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese Armed Forces. Obverse: Japanese soldier in combat gear facing away at center, gazing at the hills of Bataan and island of Corregidor in background; Reverse: Two palm trees, stars in middle, Japanese characters throughout field. The Japanese characters are a poem to pay tribute to soldiers who died in combat and credits General Masaharu Homma in writing. Sharply struck obliterating all signs of the under-type with the exception of the reeded edge. Crisp clear design features not normally associated with this issue are easily seen without the aid of magnification. Attractively toned displaying light mottled grey and slate patina. Truly a magnificent example worthy of a premium bid.Far superior to the example we had in our Stacks Bowers & Ponterio auction November 5, 2015 Lot # 39571 The Ray Czahor Collection that we sold uncertified with our grade of EXTREMELY FINE which hammered down for $3,000- plus buyers fee. From the Pasig River Collection.Ex: Jess Zulueta Collection.
