1861 Bombardment of Fort Sumter. Type I. Bronze. 34 mm. HK-11c. Rarity-7. MS-65 BN (NGC). A prooflike beauty with pronounced reflectivity shining forth from the fields as the surfaces dip into a light. The predominantly autumn-brown obverse exhibits outlines of copper-blue patina to the peripheral devices. For the reverse, we note gorgeous iridescent undertones of powder blue, antique gold and reddish-rose to dominant olive and gray-brown patina. A beautiful Gem in all regards, expertly produced and preserved with the utmost care. Examples of this type were struck by unknown sources soon after the bombardment and eventual surrender of Fort Sumter to the Confederate forces in Charleston, South Carolina, an incident that touched off the Civil War. The fort was heroically held for two days by 75 Union troops under the command of Major Robert Anderson while besieged by 8,000 South Carolina troops and heavy artillery bombardment under the command of General P.G.T. Beauregard. Remarkably, there were no serious casualties on either side, though that would not be the case over the next four years. From the Richard Jewell Collection.
