Auction: 22007 - British and World Coins and Commemorative Medals Autumn Auction
Lot: 360
(x) NGC MS63 RB | USA, George Washington, Letter to Hamilton, Copper Medal, c. 1864, by John Adams Bolen, GEORGE WASHINGTON, within milled border, uniformed bust left, rev. I HOPE THAT LIBERAL ALLOWANCES WILL BE MADE, FOR THE POLITICAL OPINIONS OF EACH OTHER. WITHOUT THESE I DO NOT SEE HOW THE REINS OF GOVERNMENT ARE TO BE MANAGED, OR HOW THE UNION OF THE STATES CAN BE MUCH LONGER PRESERVED. in eleven lines, WASHINGTON'S LETTERS TO HAMILTON in exergue, plain edge, 59mm (GW 675; JAB-11; Baker 257A), with a handful of small carbon spots and a scattering of very faint contact marks to the obverse, nevertheless with attractively toned surfaces in hues of blue and purple, still with much original mint red and with a pleasing lustre, handsomely struck-up in high relief, extremely fine and extremely rare, in NGC holder, graded MS63 RB (Cert. #6295539-001)
This is the largest known of John Adams Bolen's work and is amongst the most well-known and appreciated of his medals. This striking is known to have been struck in silver, copper and white metal; all of which were produced in very low numbers. Reportedly only between ten and fourteen examples were made in copper.
On 30 April 1789 George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States of America. In September of that year Washington appointed Alexander Hamilton as the first Secretary of the Treasury. Throughout his career he sought to create a stable financial foundation for the nation. During their political career Washington and Hamilton wrote a number of letters to each other, this medal references Washington's letter to Hamilton on 26th August 1792.
Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.
Estimate
£5,000 to £6,000
Starting price
£5000