1859 Declaration of Independence Plaque. By Samuel H. Black of New York. Copper Electrotype as made, plated with silver-colored metal. cf. Musante GW-181, 183. About Uncirculated.183 mm x 201 mm. With triangular hanger on back. Some speckling of the face from long display. Back silver brighter, with some residue adhering to the back of the medallion, probably from mounting. The plaque is dominated by a central medallion, about 86 mm, depicting the signing of The Declaration of independence, while the entire text and signatures of that document are reproduced surrounding it. The Declaration of Independence signing scene is a physical copy of C.C. Wrights masterwork that appears on two enormous and very rare struck medals, the circa 1851 George Washington Declaration of Independence Medal (GW-181) and GW-183, the Declaration of Independence/Historical Tablet medal. There are 86 lines of text, followed by 8 lines of facsimile signatures. Below the text and signatures appears Blacks copyright legend ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS, IN THE YEAR 1859 BY S.H. BLACK IN THE CLERKS OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK. Samuel Black was a master electrotyper active during the 1850s and was known for his plates, plaques and other items. In the numismatic world, he is remembered for his series of electrotype store cards in the style of contemporary Braided Hair large cents (Miller-NY 61 through 68).
