1736 Jernegans Cistern Medal. Silver. 38.7 mm. By John Tanner. Betts-169, Eimer-537, MI III:72. Plain Edge. MS-62 (PCGS).This beautifully toned example exhibits dominant olive and mauve-gray patina, direct lighting calling forth iridescent undertones of powder blue, antique gold and champagne-apricot. Sharply defined with an overall smooth appearance in hand. The cistern was a massive silver vase that artisan Jernegan was unable to sell and instead disposed of by lottery. Pioneer American dealers later claimed without any foundation that this medal commemorated the division of Carolina Colony into North and South. There is/was, however, the fact that Caroline, the queen tending the palmetto garden on the reverse, was the colonys namesake.
