1928 Congressional Medal for Charles Lindbergh. By Laura Gardin Fraser. Failor-Hayden 645. Silver. Specimen-67 (PCGS).

70 mm. 5 ounces, .999 fine. The United States honored Charles Lindbergh with a special medal in gold, authorized by the Act of December 14, 1927, which instructed the president to present in the name of Congress, a medal of honor to Colonel Charles A. Lindbergh, United States Army Air Reserve, for displaying heroic courage and skill as a navigator, at the risk of his life, by his non-stop flight in his plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, from New York City to Paris, France, on May 20, 1927, by which he not only achieved the greatest individual triumph of any American citizen, but demonstrated that travel across the ocean by aircraft was possible. The directive to the Treasury Department also provided that bronze medals of this type be made available for collectors, several examples of which have been offered in our sales. This is our first offering for a silver Lindbergh medal, a major rarity with only two specimens produced. The medal is a beautiful Superb Gem with a fine grain sandblast finish to virtually pristine, light pewter-gray surfaces. Accompanied by the original cardboard box of issue, a sticker on the lid of which is printed CHARLES A. LINDBERGH MEDAL / BY RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS / MAY 4, 1928 / SIZE 44 H DESIGNER: L.G. FRASER / .999 FINE SILVER - 5.00 OZ. / TWO MEDALS AUTHORIZED IN SILVER / AND STRUCK AT THE PHILA. MINT / - PROOF SET. There is also some additional handwriting in pencil and ink on the lid of the box, but otherwise it is well preserved and generally crisp. (Total: 1 medal; 1 box)