Post 1869 Lincoln & Grant Commemorative Medalet // NGC Certified MS66 BN // Deluxe Collector's Pouch

This unique Post-1869 medalet features a high relief bust of both Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S Grant. This gorgeous example is preserved in chocolate brown color with minimal marks. NGC has certified this coin in the high grade of MS66 and this one of a kind medal is the perfect way to remember this unique moment in American history. You will receive the unique item shown in the photos.

In the years leading up to the Civil War, while America was encountering political and economic problems, it was becoming a golden era for numismatics. The panic of 1857 contributed to the hoarding of large cents, but the introduction of the smaller “Flying Eagle” cent boosted interest in new coin designs. The era also witnessed the talents of many now-famous private engravers, from Joseph Merriam to George H. Lovett.

By 1858, over a dozen coin dealers and firms established themselves in the larger northern cities, like New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Baltimore. The demand for new medals commemorating events, historical figures, and politicians was at a high point. Die sinkers were commissioned by dealers and collectors to create hundreds of “fancy pieces” to fill collectors’ cabinets. The fierce election of 1860 also saw the production of many politically themed medalets.

With the Mint Cabinet program featuring Washington rolled out by Mint Director James Ross Snowden, and culminating with the dedication ceremony in early 1860, it became clear that the Mint could also profit from the recent enthusiasm for new medals. The bust sides for these medalets are struck with very high relief, and have no legend. The original silver medalets often have proof-like finishes. Small letters like “P” or “B” on the truncation indicate the engraver (Paquet or Barber), but many have no marking at all. Some say “PAQUET” on the truncation.

While Anthony C. Paquet receives most of the credit for these pieces (he engraved most of the dies), the early dies were privately owned by him or former chief coiners John Butler and Lewis Broomall. Later, William Barber was commissioned to engrave new dies to replace the ones never owned by the Mint. In 1861, there were multiple Washington medals a collector could purchase. A version paired with Andrew Jackson's bust, as well as one with his birth and death years. A 28mm "TIME INCREASES HIS FAME MEDAL" was also available. Since the dies were privately owned, they were paired with new reverses later on, and copied extensively outside of the Mint by engravers like George B. Soley, who acquired the Mint’s old steam press in 1875.