1799 (ca. 1862) Ugly Head Medal. By J.B. Gardiner. Musante GW-715, Baker-89A. Copper. MS-64 BN (PCGS). 37.8 mm. 378.1 grains. A lovely example of this medal which is quite rare in copper. Rich blue and violet iridescence is attractively blended through the obverse fields while rich rosy red remains close to the rims. A bit more red is retained on the reverse. Overall this is very similar to the medal offered in our November 2020 E Pluribus Unum sale. Delightfully prooflike with only a few minor marks in the fields.<p>According to the Chapman brothers, writing in 1894, the dies for this medal were acquired by John McCoy who had "restrikes" like this made. The first sale we are aware of occurred in 1862, so we know they were produced by that date. In the 1864 sale of McCoys collection, it was noted that just five were struck in silver, suggesting a degree of intimate knowledge of the operation. No mintages were given for copper or white metal pieces, however. White metal pieces are seen occasionally, but copper examples seem to be quite a bit scarcer. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.
