1853 New York Crystal Palace Medal by Alexander C. Morin and Anthony Paquet. Musante GW-191, Baker-361A. Bronze. MS-62 BN (PCGS).

51.4 mm. 1223.5 grains. Dark chocolate brown with overtones of soft blue, rose and violet mottled through the gently reflective fields. A bit handled, commensurate with the grade, while a couple of minor rim bumps are also noted. Beautifully designed and intricately detailed, with all features brought up sharply. The obverse was cut by Alexander Morin, and the reverse by Anthony Paquet, but their compositions work nicely together. Close study of the reverse central motif virtually puts one on the ground before New York's majestic Crystal Palace. Though silver impressions naturally command significant premiums, all compositions are likely of equal rarity. According to the June 1864 Edward Cogan sale, just 35 sets of these medals were struck, and he specified that all three metals were included. These are very rare today. Our online archives include just four each in silver and bronze, and a lone specimen in white metal.

From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Purchased on eBay, September 2010.