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Unlisted 1859 Longacre pattern hub trial ?
jonathanb
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This almost certainly either is or isn't an unlisted hub trial of Longacre's 1859 French Liberty Head. Compare to Judd A1859-2, Pollock-3212 for example at Heritage
This is incuse rather than raised so a hub trial rather than the listed die trial. It's also quite a bit larger -- 41.5 mm, 16.5 grams.
Even if it is "real", there's no way to prove it. So just an interesting conversation piece...
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Possibly a rough matrix test, but not a hub trial or anything like that.
What is a rough matrix test? When I Google this, I get results for matrix math!
BTW, that's very interesting. Thanks for posting it @jonathanb!
A matrix is used to make another master die or impressions in softer metals.
It could be a early progress matrix as the ribbon in her hair still doesn't state Liberty.
Interesting piece.... I wonder if any of our resident experts can identify it....Where was it found? Cheers, RickO
In the late 1850s the Mint used "matrix" to refer to either a master die/hub or an incuse master of only the primary elements of a coin or medal. It was an intermediate product. These could be pressed into wax or plaster to make a quick design mock-up, or used to create a complete enlarged design in relief. This could be reduced to make a coin-size hub ready for retouching and eventual manufacture of dated dies. From the dimensions, I assume the latter definition - but that's a guess based on one fuzzy photo.
that's different but good to see
FWIW, this was on eBay, listed as "Hammered Liberty Head 40mm White Metal Uniface Medal - Unique! - What Is It?" I actually paid more than I expected to, based on that description, but I'm happy with it as a neat weird thing.
I know nothing about this type of item but it may be worth a $67 gamble.