Circa 1879 Sansom medal. Large format. Musante GW-60A, Baker-73, var. Brass. MS-64 (PCGS).46.0 mm. 759.2 grains. An unlisted composition for this medal. Musante indicated that this piece in the Baker Collection was “fire gilt bronze,” following the notes on the envelope that contained it. However, it is brass. The surfaces are largely light golden olive with strong accents of blue-green and rose toning on both sides. Slightly reflective in the fields. This is an early die state example without the pronounced diagonal crack at the lower right of the base of the reverse design (see next). Similarly, the vertical crack through the drapery beneath the sword’s hand guard is not as well developed.<p>This medal was sold by the Chapmans and their advertisement (as reprinted in Musante) included only bronze and white metal offerings. This is the first one we have seen in brass and it may well be unique in this composition.Ex William Spohn Baker Collection, to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania by bequest, November 15, 1897.
