1909 Copper Medal By Pratt Abraham Lincoln Birth Centennial NYC Ribbon & Case
Description: A beautiful almost uncirculated or better copper medallete or small medal depicting the head of Abraham Lincoln the 16th president of the United States. The medal, which was issued in 1909 represents the official New York City issued to commemorate the centennial of Lincoln’s birthday. The medal has its original loop with its original red-white-blue ribbon attached. The medal is housed in the original cardboard and plastic display sleeve. The medal displays a great looking portrait of Lincoln in nice relief on the obverse surrounded by the legend "CENTENNIAL-OF-ABRAHAM LINCOLN MCMIX" along the edge. There is "B L PRATT" below Lincoln’s head indicating that the design was done by Bela Lyon Pratt who was US Mint engraver. The reverse has the legend "GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE BY THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE SHALL NOT PERISH FROM THE EARTH", from the Gettysburg address, with an eagle having spread wings above. There are also fasces, or wooden branches tied together as symbolism for strength, below. The medal has a plain edge and has a beautiful chocolate brown patina with great eye appeal. This is a rather small medal, which was obviously sold as a souvenir during the celebrations. The display case has the dates 1809-1909 on the front with the words Lincoln Medal all in gold lettering, on the front. The back of the case has a label which indicates that it is an official medal authorized by the Mayor of New York at the time George W. McClellan. There is also the notation of "PAT. NO. 2,521,792". We did not open the display case to measure or weigh the medal and we leave that to the discretion of the new owner. A great medal with nice eye appeal with the original ribbon and display case. A nice find to add to your collection. Please carefully review the photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: The medal is dated 1909.
Origin: United States of America.
Reference: Cunningham 11-470C, King-389.
Artist: Bela Lyon Pratt.
Weight and Size: The medal is ~26 millimeters in diameter.
Maker: Unknown Marks: Marked "BL PRATT" under Lincoln's head on the obverse. The display case has printed description of attached to the case. The case is also marked PAT. NO. 2,521,792 on the back and is marked "1809-1909; Lincoln Medal" in gold lettering on the front.
Condition: The medal is in good about uncirculated condition with all its details being very well preserve and exhibiting minimum wear if any. The reverse of the medal has what looks like soiling embedded in part of the legend, which we are not certain what it is since we chose not to open the holder and examine the medal. The piece appears to be almost or about uncirculated and shows some minor rubbing to the high points. Be that as it may, it is still a very nice-looking medal worthy of a spot in your collection. The case or original cardboard and plastic display sleeve is in very good condition with no observable damage. The medal appears to be well preserved despite the black mark on the reverse and rubbing of some of the detail. It has great eye appeal. Please view photos for additional condition information.
