 WHH 1840-22. Harrison Inauguration Medal, 1841. Bronzed White Metal, holed, 36.6mm. Fine to Very Fine. Obv. Harrison in cocked hat and full uniform riding r. on an elegant horse, with legend MAJ. GEN. W.H. HARRISON 9th PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. Rev. View of Capitol in grape wreath, INAUGURATION/ MEDAL above, CAPITOL/ MARCH 4 1841 below. A Mint State example is in the collection of the American Numismatic Society, New York, illustrated in Neil MacNeil, The President's Medal, 1789-1977, page 25. Approximately three others are known, all in the Fine to Very Fine range and showing similar surface corrosion. Although who struck this medal remains a mystery, its purpose is self-evident.
The present medal shows much bold detail on horse and rider, as well as the Capitol. The deep brown surfaces exhibit general porosity and pitting. In this regard it is virtually identical to the Charles McSorley example that brought $1,430. Acquired by Inaugural collector Dan Hansen, it was the first lot in Presidential Coin and Antique's sale of the Hansen Collection in November 2002, described as ''White Metal. Fine condition with heavily corroded surfaces - in short - just about average for the few known specimens.'' Here is a significant rarity of the Political and Inaugural fields.
Ex Dan Hansen Collection (Presidential Coin and Antique, November 2002, lot 001).
| |
|
