1777 (19th Century) Horatio Gates at Saratoga Medal. Original Dies. Philadelphia Mint. By Nicholas Marie Gatteaux. Adams-Bentley 4, Betts-557, Julian MI-2. Silvered Bronze. About Uncirculated, Cleaned. 55.4 mm. 1271.6 grains. An unusual composition for this classic entry in the Comitia Americana series, the surfaces are predominantly bright silver with iridescent highlights in the protected areas around the design elements. Little is seen of the underlying bronze, although it is discernible here and there around the peripheries. Both sides are sharply defined and free of readily evident rub, although the texture is curiously bright and there is considerable hairlining to explain both our grade and qualifier. Free of sizeable marks, however, and a more than respectable example of the Horatio Gates at Saratoga medal. Adams-Bentley Die State 2, with the tip of Gates vest detached and a heavy reverse rim break at 7 to 8 oclock. The authors assign examples struck from this die state to the Philadelphia Mint.
