Highlights: The unique gold Lincoln Indian peace medal from the Eliasberg Collection.
Today’s highlight is a “rarest of the rare” — the ultimate in rarity: Unique. The only one known! We displayed this at the American Numismatic Association convention in Boston a few weeks ago–to the delight and amazement of viewers. This medal, to be offered separately, is part of a cased group of Lincoln medals owned by Louis E. Eliasberg and was one of his favorite possessions. Our catalog description (excerpted):
One of Over 5,000 Lots! The unique gold Lincoln Indian peace medal from the Eliasberg Collection.
Stunning Gold Lincoln Indian Peace Medal
-Probably Unique-
1862 Abraham Lincoln Indian Peace Medal. Gold, 76.1 mm. Julian IP-39, King-520. About Uncirculated. 3641.64 grains (7.58675 troy ounces).
One of the most impressive and medallically important pieces to have ever been coined from Indian Peace medal dies at the United States Mint. In the entire history of Indian Peace medals, from the oval medals of George Washington through the entire Mint series ending with Benjamin Harrison, we have never seen, nor heard of, another specimen from any of those dies coined in gold. That this piece may be the only gold example from an entire popularly collected genre of United States medals makes it not just distinctive, but of historic stature.
Its surfaces show the matte finish of an early 20th century production, and this was probably struck quite close to the centennial of Lincoln’s birth when interest in his medals reached a zenith. With its significant metallic value and heft, nearly that of eight double eagles, this would have been produced to order for one of the major collectors of the day – Virgil Brand, the collector who had everything, strikes us as the most sensible candidate.
The obverse shows superb detail on the high relief portrait, with just some minor marks on the highest point of the shoulder from true cabinet friction. Two low spots above Lincoln’s head may represent spots that were deftly removed. A small rim nick is seen above 3:00. The reverse shows some minor rim nicks here and there, and scattered minor surface ticks at center, shallow and of little consequence, though they do interrupt the matte finish.
This piece was coined from restrike dies produced late in the 19th century, when Lincoln medals were among those in greatest demand with contemporary collectors. Lincoln Indian Peace medals in bronze are among the most numerous in the series, especially those struck from this reverse die, which lacks a signature beneath the central scene. A very small number of medals were struck in silver from this die, coined as restrikes, usually with matte surfaces like this piece. We have never heard even a breath of a rumor of another piece in gold. Julian records this medal existing in gold, apparently this piece.
In the 1986 Hartzog, Carlson et al price and auction records reference, a gold Lincoln Indian Peace medal was valued at $25,000 with the notation “no records, may not exist.” The Lincoln Indian Peace medal is perhaps the single most famous Lincoln medal among numismatists. It combines a strong portrait, dating from the years of his Presidency, with a reverse that includes not only a remarkably early image of a baseball game but a bold contrast between those non-civilized natives and those who have developed a European-style life of tranquility. It has always ranked as one of the most popular entries in the Indian Peace medal series for collectors. This regal example should handily outpace the typical price threshold of an awarded silver specimen.
This is just one rarity from our Americana Sale. Some have never been offered before! And, we hasten to add, that there will be thousands of other medals, coins, tokens, and notes, most of which are very affordable–including Morgan dollars, Lincoln cents, you name it!
More!
Stack’s Americana Sale will feature coins, paper money, and medals from the collections of Louis E. Eliasberg, Chet Krause, and Q, David Bowers, as well as the Collection of a Southern Gentleman, and other important consignments.
It is the official auction of the Whitman Coins & Collectibles Philadelphia Expo at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, September 30 to October 2. Over 5,000 lots in all price ranges from highly affordable to world-class rarities! The paper money section of the sale will be one of the most important ever auctioned, replete with many unique notes and rarities!
Contact us today at 800-566-2580 to reserve your catalogue, which should mail in early September. All lots will also be available for viewing on our website: www.stacks.com.
And Still More!
Thinking of selling? Whether you are considering your collection or choice duplicates, we invite you to consign to our spectacular Stack’s 75th Anniversary Sale to be held in Baltimore in November. This is unprecedented—the closest challenger being B. Max Mehl’s 50th Anniversary Sale held in 1950. Our sale is anchored by the Carson Collection of United States Proof Sets, starting from the early year of 1856 and continuing onward! Rarities abound!
Thinking of selling? Contact Dr. Rick Bagg, John Pack, or Vicken Yegparian at 800-566-2580.
