Circa 1860 Reverse Shell for the James Buchanan Indian Peace Medal. Copper. First Size. First Reverse. Julian IP-34, var., Prucha-50, var. Choice About Uncirculated. 76.4 mm. 402.8 grains. Die by Joseph Willson. Glossy deep chocolate brown with strong surface gloss and nice eye appeal. The thin shell is dented twice near the center and slightly so along the rightmost rim, but those are the only imperfections worthy of mention. The shell is filled with a thin layer of white plaster, which has been coated in some manner, likely to reinforce it a bit. However, the dents in the shell have cracked the plaster and there are some internal chips. A very interesting piece possibly struck by the original die as a trial piece, though it could also be a high quality electrotype. Examination of the inside of the shell would clarify this. Either way, this reverse was used primarily for the Buchanan medals, as it broke after the eighth Lincoln medal was struck in 1862. If die-struck, this would date this piece with reasonable precision to between 1857 and 1862. While this die was used for all of the large-size Buchanan medals in silver, an impression of this size in copper must be considered a great rarity. Ex Presidential Coin and Antique’s 1991 Gold Medal Sale, lot 288; Presidential Coin and Antique, June 2011, lot 452.
