1776 (post-1850) Declaration of Independence Medal. Electrotype. Musante GW-181A, Baker-53F. Copper. Mint State, Cleaned, Spots. 91 mm. A rather handsome and eminently collectible example of this scarce and popular type, the design elements on both sides are sharply rendered and crisp. The surfaces have retoned nicely in even light autumn-brown, direct lighting revealing wispy hairlines and curious pink and powder blue undertones that point to an ancient cleaning. Several carbon spots, some also with verdigris, are noted for the obverse, reverse with a large spot at the upper left border that laps onto the edge. Rulau identifies a particular maker of these electrotypes, George Segebaden ca. 1880, but it is perfectly possible others made electrotypes in the same era as well. The technology became popular in the 1850s, right about when this medal was first struck. Rulau calls Segebadens work "very deceptive, but eminently collectible," an accurate portrayal of this piece.
