1781 John Eager Howard at Cowpens Medal. Original Paris Mint Striking. By Pierre Simon DuVivier. Adams-Bentley 12, Betts-595, Julian MI-9. Bronze. Plain Edge. Specimen-65 (PCGS). 46 mm. A lovely example of this classic type, both sides are richly toned in dominant autumn-brown with warmer steel-olive outlines to many of the design elements. The detail is razor sharp to full throughout the design and, in fact, this piece is nicely double struck. Evidence for the latter is best appreciated with the aid of the loupe, and then again while examining the central motifs on the obverse. There is a bold witness line on the edge, and typical Paris Mint rim filing is seen on both sides. The fields are faintly prooflike and also reveal pretty powder blue and pale rose undertones at direct viewing angles. This is the only metallic composition in which the John Eager Howard at Cowpens is considered common, but most bronze examples in numismatic hands are post-1830 Paris Mint restrikes from original dies. Those are distinguished by Paris Mint edge markings. This original striking with a plain edge is decidedly scarce, however, the Adams-Bentley survey (2007) reporting 26 examples of this type. A similar original striking sold for $5,040 in our November 2019 John W. Adams sale, and we expect very strong interest in this Specimen-65 that sits as the only example graded by PCGS in this category. Adams-Bentley Die State 1. PCGS# 715027 PCGS Population: 1; none finer. The only piece graded in this category. Acquired from John Kraljevich Americana, privately.
