1860 (post-1861) Japanese Embassy Commemorative Medal. By Anthony C. Paquet. Julian CM-23. Bronzed Copper. MS-64 BN (NGC).76 mm. Lovely autumn-brown patina blankets both sides, the surfaces revealing tinges of blended light olive as the medal rotates under a light. Boldly impressed throughout, there are only a few trivial handling marks separating this impressive piece from an even higher numeric grade. Struck from the second obverse die prepared by Anthony C. Paquet circa June 1860, which was used to strike examples sold to collectors beginning in October of 1861. Mint records indicate a mintage of fewer than 120 bronze examples with this finish.
