1907 Katrina Trask Plaque. Silver. 80 mm x 83 mm, arched top. 241.9 grams. By Victor David Brenner. Smedley-76, Baxter-130, Marqusee-78. About Uncirculated. Obv: Bust of Mrs. Trask to left, her name KATRINA TRASK between two rose-embossed shields below. Signed by the artist to the right: V.D.BRENNER SC. Rev: Mrs. Trask, in a flowing gown, accepting a torch from Cupid in a garden with YADDO hidden in the branches of a tree, and Brenners signature in the lower left. The edge is plain. The pearl gray patina is slightly mottled with lighter tones on the obverse, but evenly expressed on the reverse.This medal was conceptualized during a visit Brenner made to Trasks Yaddo Artist Community in Saratoga Springs, New York, where he was quite captivated by the facilities and with Mrs. Trasks vision for her community, which lives on today. Reportedly records of the U.S. Mint show that 10 of these rare plaques were struck there in silver on June 1, 1908, but other reports suggest they were made by Tiffany. It is entirely possible they were made at both facilities. At any rate, RARE, and especially in this composition. From the Richard Jewell Collection. Earlier from Presidential Coin and Antique Co.s Auction Eighty-One, June 2011, lot 514, where it realized $1,400. Lot tag included.
