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Auction: 317 - The Collector's Series
Lot: 789

1864 Philadelphia Sanitary Fair Medal. Julian CM-44, Bronze. The obverse, designed by well known artist and sculptor Anthony Pacquet depicts the full figure of a draped woman handing a chalice to a military doctor. The doctor is in turn tending to a reclining wounded soldier. The peripheral legend reads WE GIVE OUR WEALTH FOR THOSE WHO GIVE THEIR HEALTH FOR US. According to Julian, only 901 one bronze and 4 silver medals of this design were produced in the summer of 1864,and as stated on the reverse of the medal itself were struck IN COMMEMORATION OF THE CENTRAL FAIR FOR THE U.S. SANITARY COMMISSION HELD AT PHILADELPHIA JUNE 1864. This fair was the largest of its kind held at the time, and was a means by which to raise money for the care of wounded Union soldiers during the Civil War. The medal bears a proof finish beneath chocolate-brown patina. There is a shallow scrape on the reverse rim at 2:45 as well as a few scattered minor stains, otherwise this medal is essentially as struck.

Estimate
$300 to $500