1779 Benjamin Franklin Plaque. Uniface. Cast Brass. 149 mm. By Jean-Baptiste Nini. cf. Margolis-23. Mint State. Similar in style to Margolis-23, which is a terra cotta plaque, although this piece is brass and in a larger format. Additionally, Ninis signature is not present at the lower obverse border. The high relief bust is in a dramatic and appealing format, somewhat reminiscent of John Sinnocks low relief Benjamin Franklin half dollar. The unusually sharp details indicate that this was probably a direct casting off Ninis mother-mold. The semi-reflective deep bronze patina presents the portrait handsomely, and it stands out nicely from the expertly chased fields. The reverse with a vague reversed image of the obverse, and a soldered-on suspension loop. An important Nini plaque variant. From the Richard Jewell Collection.
