US medals

rwyarmch

I've recently gotten interested in US medals. This one has turned up at auction a few
times (Winfield Scott 89.5mm brz-Julian MI-27). Is anyone familiar with this medal and
how to recognize restrikes, if any? Thanks!

coindeuce

The mahogany appearance of the images shown would indicate the possibility that this particular medal is an original. Usually best to consider the source, yet asking the seller for a confirmation is always a plus. According to Julian, only 25 bronze medals ordered from Mint Director Patterson by Virgina Governor Floyd in 1850. Beware of modern "yellow bronze" reproductions being offered as originals. The process used in the 19th century to impart the mahogany color to these medals was not continued after about 1891. The mahogany colored "copper-bronzed" medals prior to 1891 typically would have prooflike surfaces in the fields.

jonathanb

What coindeuce said, except I'll say it more strongly. That's a original if the picture is remotely accurate. Modern restrikes are yellow with matte surfaces. Originals are bronze with reflective surfaces. There are intermediate versions, and its hard to say anything about beat-up specimens, but yours looks exactly the way an original should look. And a nice one, to boot.

The last three sale records I have (ANR in 2005, Presidentital in 2006, and Smythe in 2007) wer for $650, $600, and $550 respectively.

rwyarmch

Thanks for the info!

rwyarmch

I've cast around for other auction images of the Winfield Scott medal. Even allowing for the
vagaries of photography, they exhibit quite a range of "looks" from the originals to the
restrikes.

coindeuce

It is easier to bear in mind that only 25 of the original copper-bronzed examples were made, and are rare as such. Always consider the source, and ask the right questions of the seller when there is doubt. Any reputable seller that makes claim to having an original and is pricing the medal as such should not be hesitant to provide adequate proof of such claim. The mahogany prooflike finish of an original cannot easily be reproduced.