 Major General Zachary Taylor. Battle of Monterey. Gold. Gem Uncirculated. J.MI.23, Loubat 60. 64.8 mm. 3,851.6 gns. (249.26 gms.). 5.5 mm. thick. In a word, gorgeous. Both the obverse and reverse are bright, brilliant yellow gold, the color having toned down slightly over the intervening century and a half. There are some light hay lines on each side, a couple of small rim marks at the top of the obverse, and some small scratches at left reverse near the rim. Apart from these minor detriments the piece is nearly pristine and looks just about as it did the day it was struck and presented to General Taylor.
The strike is exceptionally sharp, as expected from fresh dies in a very soft metal like gold. General Taylor's epaulets are clearly outlined, all the detail in his hair shows, and the gold oak leaf braid on his uniform collar is clear and sharp. On the reverse, every single leaf shows its internal detail and the branch stems show full bark detail as well. The central devices are semi-brilliant, not matte, as expected from the period. There is a small nick on Taylor's epaulet which is nearly invisible. Accompanied by its original maroon leather bookshelf-style case, with slipcover, gilt edging virtually intact. Unique. Very few congressionally authorized gold military or naval medals ever cross the auction block. There were two in in our sale of October last, Lieutenant Henley's and the Centennial Medal. There are a further two in the present Ford Collection auction. This exceptional number is a remarkable testament to John Ford's collecting skill and luck.
Robert Julian mentions this medal in his description of MI.23, writing ''The gold medal presented to General Taylor is presently in the collection of John J. Ford, Jr.'' Authorized by a resolution of Congress March 2, 1847, reading in part: ''Resolved, that the thanks of Congres are due, and are hereby tendered, to Major-General Zachary Taylor, his officers and men, for the fortitude, skill, enterprise, and courage which distinguished the late brilliant military operations at Monterey. Resolved, that the President be requested to cause to be struck a gold medal, with devices emblematical of this splendid achievement, and presented to General Taylor as a testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress for his judicious and distinguished conduct on that memorable occasion.''
Ex Robert P. Kelly, M.D. on May 12, 1966.
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