Undated H. Alvin Sharpe Medallion. Gold. Inscribed to Recipient 10/8/82. MS-64 (NGC). 47 mm, irregular. 45.21 grams. <strong>Obv:</strong> Bust of Sharpe left with peripheral inscription OF MOUNTAINS AND DESERTS AND FAR FLUNG SEAS, "signed" H ALVIN SHARPE along lower right border, artists initials S.J.W. below bust, hallmarks at upper left. <strong>Rev:</strong> Blank apart from hand-inscribed FOR PHIL / FROM H. ALVIN SHARPE, 10/8/82. This intriguing piece is actually a uniface striking on an irregular gold planchet using the die for the medallion that Sharpe created for the cover of his 1979 book of poetry, <em>Collective Meditations</em>. The struck portion is lustrous with a satin to semi-reflective finish, pretty reddish-rose outlines to the design elements. Otherwise warm medium gold overall, the unstruck potions with a satin to matte-like texture. The first example of this type that we can ever recall handling, and undoubtedly of the highest rarity.
