Circa 1805 Sansom Medal. Original. Early Impression. Musante GW-58, Baker-71A. Bronze. Plain edge. SP-65 BN (PCGS).40.6 mm. 413.5 grains. A very choice specimen of this classic Mint medal. Deep olive and chocolate brown with soft traces of blue and rose in the fields. A few darker patina specks on the bust and one tiny reverse spot of verdigris are noted, but this is still one of the nicest examples of this medal we have seen in some time. Curiously, this medal in bronze was missing from the Baker Collection, featured in our November 2019 sale, but most seen are at least a little handled or low-end Mint State. This one is sharply prooflike in the fields, satiny on the devices and exhibits no patina breaks at all, not even on the very highest points of relief. Even the high, squared off rims are free of marks. Slight evidence of double striking is noted on the reverse. <p><p><p>A classic Washington medal, and part of Joseph Sansom’s “History of the Revolution” series that included the extremely rare C.C.A.U.S. medal, the Franklin/American Beaver medal and the Peace of 1783 issue. This seems to have been the second in the series, and Sansom sent a silver specimen to Thomas Jefferson on March 25, 1807, 15 months after he sent him a C.C.A.U.S., the first in the series. <p><p>From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.
