1913 J. Pierpont Morgan Memorial Plaque. By Emil Fuchs. Miller-30. Silver. No. 74. Matte Proof.90 mm x 73 mm. 262.57 grams. This piece honors John Pierpont Morgan (1897-1913), the famous banker, financier, and patron of the arts. J.P. Morgan became a synonym for great wealth. Although he engaged in various activities during the Civil War, his fame dated from 1873, when he persuaded the United States Treasury to divide a loan between his interests and a group organized by Jay Cooke, thus breaking the monopoly of the latter financier. Cookes firm failed, and Morgan became dominant in the field of government, railroad, and corporate finance.Following the Panic of 1893, his efforts contributed to stability in the American corporate marketplace, which accrued to his advantage and resulted in immense power in his hands. One of his greatest achievements was the formation of the United States Steel Corporation in 1901, combining the interests of Andrew Carnegie and others. His influence was a soothing factor following the Panic of 1907, which saw the bankruptcy of the Knickerbocker Bank and numerous other financial institutions. In 1912 he was investigated by Congress, emerging with unimpaired credit and prestige. He shunned personal publicity, but nonetheless became known as a leading collector of books, art, rare coins, and other items. Certain of his numismatic holdings were given to the American Numismatic Society.The Morgan Memorial plaque is the work of Emil Fuchs, a Viennese-born (in 1886) sculptor whose other credits included work in connection with the Hudson-Fulton Celebration. One hundred examples in silver were produced by Whitehead & Hoag for the American Numismatic Society, and this piece has one of the most impressive provenances of any that we have ever had the privilege of bringing to auction.From our (Bowers and Merenas) sale of the Virgil Brand Collection, Part II, June 1984, lot 1236. Possibly acquired by Brand from Lyman H. Low. Lot tag included.
