1866 (1868) Monnier Treatment of Copper Medal. Julian CM-34. Copper. MS-63 BN (NGC).64 mm. Direct lighting calls forth not only semi-reflective tendencies from the fields, but also iridescent undertones of pink, apricot and golden-blue. Dominant autumn-brown patina to the obverse, the reverse is more boldly toned in marbled medium and olive-brown. Wispy hairlines on the reverse are noted, the obverse appreciably smoother in hand, and both sides visually appealing. Although Mint records indicate that 505 examples of this medal type were ordered, there were still "hundreds" of them remaining undistributed in the Mint as of 1891, in which year they were melted. In his 1869 sale, J.W. Haseltine noted that only 50 examples were actually issued, these going to stockholders of the company. At any rate, this is a rare and historically significant medal that is seldom offered for sale.
