1832 Philadelphia Civic Procession Medal. Original. Musante GW-130, Baker-160. Silver. AU-58 (NGC).32.4 mm. A handsome unpierced specimen of this historic issue. Generous medium silver-gray on both sides, with intermingled steel-olive that is more pronounced on the reverse. Slightly prooflike in the obverse field, and sharply struck. The high rims of the obverse have largely protected the fields on this side, leaving most of the handling marks on the more vulnerable reverse, though aside from a few scattered and minor nicks, there is little to discuss in this regard. Struck in medallic orientation.<p>The medals of the Gold and Silver Artificers are the best known of the 1832 memorial medals, as they are the most commonly seen. This is due to a large number of restrikes taken from the dies in the late 1850s, making the design seem unfairly ubiquitous. However, a silver original, as offered here, has always been something desired above and beyond the rest. It is rare and its specific purpose holds a degree of mystery. The originals in white metal (see next lot) were struck during the parade and tossed to spectators along the route, but silver ones would have been struck under more controlled circumstances and presumably designated for a select group. They may have been carried or worn by those operating the float, or gifted to the 13 marshals of the event, or both. This is but speculation, but we know that silver originals are rare, and they certainly had some distinctive purpose in February 1832.<p>According to a notice in <em>The United States Gazette</em>, June 2, 1832, those responsible for the disposition of the banner and dies used by the Artificers had "deposited them in the Hall of the Franklin Institute for safe keeping."
