Circa 1830 C. Wolfe, Spies & Clark / George IV muling. Musante GW-122, Baker-592, Rulau-E NY 963. Brass, Silvered. Plain Edge. EF-45 (PCGS).25.8 mm.137.1 grains. As mentioned for the GW-119 above, this piece does not technically have a plain edge. It is a ridged edge with irregular broad segments, and is most unusual, yet it is the same seen on the GW-119 example. Lustrous lightly silvered surfaces with loss of the silvering on the highest points where light golden brass nicely complements the overall aesthetic. A bit of darker patina is flecked through the fields as well. Just a couple of small marks are noted. A very rare issue and in superb condition. Easily the nicest example we have seen since our 2013 Ford sale. The Musante plate piece.<p>As noted above, this is the second medal in the emission sequence of the series of Wolfe, Spies & Clark pieces offered here. Though we know this to be the case, the only obvious explanation for the reverse still seems to be the death of George IV, on June 26, 1830. If this is accurate, it necessarily places the next medal in the sequence, that featuring PRESIDENT Andrew Jackson, quite a bit later in time than would easily fit the accepted narrative that it was done just after his inauguration on March 4, 1829. However, the George IV design itself in no way indicates the monarch’s passing, so it might simply be a muling done early on at the Thomas Kettle shop to be sold as a novelty. It is certainly rare enough to support such a theory.Ex William Spohn Baker Collection, to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania by bequest, November 15, 1897.
