Undated (1860-1904) State Department Life Saving Medal. By Salathiel Ellis, after Emmanuel Leutze. Julian LS-1. Bronze. Specimen-65 (PCGS).66.8 mm. The virtually pristine surfaces exhibit a rich mahogany finish overall. Thirty four bronze medals of this type were struck for official use, as well as 64 additional examples for sale to the public. The present example, unawarded, is included in the latter delivery, which may have continued as late as 1904. Survivors are quite rare today, and few approach the quality offered here. The designer of this medal, Leutze, is best known for his famous painting of Washington crossing the Delaware.From Presidential Coin & Antique Co., Inc.s Auction Eighty-Five, June 2015, lot 358. Lot tag included.
