Circa 1859 Sansom medal. Presidency Relinquished. U.S. Mint restrike. Early impression. Musante GW-59, Baker-72, Julian PR-1. Silver. SP-63 (PCGS).40.6 mm. 508.6 grains. Deeply toned with slate gray dominating the rims and motifs. The fields are a bit lighter, especially on the obverse which seems to have been the side most protected in Baker’s cabinet. The fields are highly reflective. On the obverse golden brown patina is noted, while the reverse is pleasantly mottled with violet and blue iridescence. Struck from the dies in their early state, before the formation of spalling on the portrait and obverse rim over NI. The heavy weight, over 500 grains, corresponds to the early state as well, as discussed in the previous lot description, though this one is not quite as heavy as that example. Double struck on the reverse with a fairly broad rotation between impressions easily seen. Though darker than the other one, this is undeniably an attractive piece. Musante reports that 57 are believed to have been struck between 1861 and 1904. This is among the earlier of those.Ex William Spohn Baker Collection, to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania by bequest, November 15, 1897.
