1778 German Peace Medal. Betts-560. White Metal with Copper Scavenger. MS-63 (NGC). 38.4 mm. A choice specimen of this fascinating German medal struck during the American Revolution. Light pewter-gray surfaces exhibit wisps of olive, sandy-gold and pale russet that are more prevalent on the reverse. The scavenger, nicely positioned near 6 oclock, has kept this piece free of corrosion and remains fairly red. Exceptionally smooth overall with no significant marks, surprising for a piece produced in such a soft composition. Sharply struck throughout with faint traces of prooflike reflectivity evident in the fields as the surfaces dip into a light. This piece was struck as a medallic commentary on the state of war that existed over much of the globe in 1778, North America included. This is our first offering of a Mint State example in recent years, a rare find for the advanced collector that is worthy of the strongest bids.
