Interesting exonumia doing quite well in Stack auction

DCW · March 30, 2021 3:51AM

As tokens and medals continue to perform well in recent auctions, I'd like to highlight the below piece that I watched with curiosity. I've handled the medalet issued by the Medallic Arts Co, but Ive never even heard of this being issued in a plaque. Such an interesting piece! I've got to believe that this plaque is going to look great in someone's study. I didn't bid, and it took off. Hope someone here is making room on the wall of their mancave!

1933 Huey Long "Kingfish" Toilet Seat Plaque. Bronze. Nearly As Made. SOLD FOR $4,560!

Sold $4,560
LOT DESCRIPTION (COURTESY OF StacksBowers:

215 mm x 250 mm. Bold Art Deco image of a powerful fist smacking "Kingfish" Huey Long in the face, sending his crown flying. The Latin inscription translates loosely as "A deed on behalf of the public done in the chamber". The reverse is blank except for a rough incuse impression of the obverse and two screws attached to a heavy wire for suspension. Finished in a smooth olive-brown patina with boldly rendered design elements.

Louisiana Senator "Kingfish" Huey Long, a brash, loud, and very controversial politician, was attending an event at the posh Sands Point Country Club on Long Island, and -- after downing too many drinks, which was his custom -- headed off to the men's room. In his inebriated condition he had a little difficulty with his aim and ended up urinating on the pant leg of another man sharing the restroom. The other fellow took affront to this and promptly slugged Long in the face, giving him a massive black eye -- much to the delight of the other dinner guests and members of the press attending the gala. A journalist from Collier's Magazine jokingly wrote an article suggesting that for such an act of public service, donations should be collected to issue a gold medal to award to the anonymous assailant. Surprisingly, over $1,000 was raised, quite a sum in the days of the Great Depression.

One 38 mm x 33 mm gold example of this medal was made for the unknown man who punched Long, however no one ever came forth to claim the prize, and it ended up being presented to the American Numismatic Society. A few other examples were made in silver and bronze, but this is the first in this large format that we have encountered.