Post a medal or token for the weekend

As the Fourth of July approaches, we will be celebrating the 241st anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence:

George Washington's victory in 1776, forcing the British retreat from Boston was truly momentous, prompting Congress to award him the first ever Congressional Medal of Honor, now known as the Washington Before Boston medal:

More victories were achieved, with Horatio Gates forcing the British Army to surrender at the Battle of Saratoga, and earning his own Congressional Medal:

Benjamin Franklin, our Ambassador to France secured financial aid, and with the mounting American victories, France decided to ally with the United States, providing provisions and soldiers, in addition to needed funds. For all of France's assistance during the Revolutionary War, only one Congressional Medal was awarded to a French soldier, François-Louis Teissèdre de Fleury:

This medal, Betts-608, dated 1783, is oftentimes called the "French Libertas Americana Medal," as it features the King of France sitting on his throne, here seen struck in silver:

...and here, seen struck in its most common white metal composition (with a copper plug used to absorb corrosive elements to preserve the white metal):

Tradition aside, the medal was actually struck in Germany, not France.

The "official" Peace Medal of France actually was the Betts-612, also dated 1783, with the obverse dominated by the profile of King Louis XVI, here seen struck in silver:

...and here, struck in copper:

Beautiful medals and tokens posted today. Cardinal..... spectacular as usual!

Here is something a little different today.

I set this one aside for me when I was dealer. The prices have gone nuts on these pieces since I was buying and selling them. The die is by Boston die maker, Joseph Merriam.

And here is the Mossin and Marr store card. John Marr is my favorite Civil War token die maker. He engraved some beautiful tokens. This is the "Naked Amazon" reverse, which was inspired by the painting "Liberty Leading the People" by Eugène Delacroix.

(c. 1900-06) C.D. Peacock Jeweler Chicago IL -- These are the three most common varieties of this early-20th century merchant token which is also related to the Smith's Clock Establishment "Time is Money" tokens of the Hard Times period of 1832-1844.

this hard times token has been included in the 100 Greatest Tokens and Medals book.
Most survivors are found in F-VF condition with major issues or circulation. I found this one at CRO

Henry Clay medal by Joseph H. Merriam, unlisted in silver NGC MS65.

The Henry Clay medals by Merriam are seldom offered, but finding one in SILVER is nearly impossible. Although Merriam advertised on his scorecards medals struck in gold, silver, copper and tin, silver is not a metal he generally worked in. Perhaps they were presentation strikes, "one offs" for special collectors of the day or for Merriam himself. This one is richly toned with beautiful color and clean fields. And it's a good thing, as I do not believe another example exists.

Found another old collage I did years back.
These are fun to make

I need to slow down my posting but I feel so great this weekend

Another oldie but goodie