Nov 4, 2025 10:00 EST
Coins, Medals & Sports Memorabilia
8
"1797" (c. 1859-1904) Sansom Medal, Baker 72, Musante GW-59, Gem Proof. Plain Edge. 40.7mm. Bronze.
A mid-to-late nineteenth century reissue of the Sansom Medal, published decades earlier to celebrate Washington's retirement from public life at the end of his second Presidential term. Likely produced sometime between the late 1850s and the turn of the twentieth century.
The original medals were struck in the middle of the first decade of the nineteenth century, commissioned by Joseph Sansom, a wealthy Philadelphian, and designed by John Reich, an engraver responsible for a wide range of U.S. coins and medals who would join the U.S. Mint shortly after the Sansom Medal was produced. The Sansom Medal celebrates George Washington's peaceful relinquishing of the Presidency in 1797 with classical motifs, namely a fasces and a sword lying crossed beneath a laurel wreath on a draped pedestal, with a union shield on the right panel. An attractive portrait of Washington the obverse rounds out the handsome design.
Reissuance of the medal began in the mid-nineteenth century. Fuld/Rulau report 308 bronze examples struck between 1859 and the 1870s, while Musante reports 303 struck between 1861 and 1904.
This piece sports beautiful, even red-brown coloration and original, problem-free surfaces.
Early American History Auctions, Inc. Autographs, Coins, Currency, Americana, December 11th, 1999, Lot #29.
Sold for $302
Estimated at $500 - $1,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
A mid-to-late nineteenth century reissue of the Sansom Medal, published decades earlier to celebrate Washington's retirement from public life at the end of his second Presidential term. Likely produced sometime between the late 1850s and the turn of the twentieth century.
The original medals were struck in the middle of the first decade of the nineteenth century, commissioned by Joseph Sansom, a wealthy Philadelphian, and designed by John Reich, an engraver responsible for a wide range of U.S. coins and medals who would join the U.S. Mint shortly after the Sansom Medal was produced. The Sansom Medal celebrates George Washington's peaceful relinquishing of the Presidency in 1797 with classical motifs, namely a fasces and a sword lying crossed beneath a laurel wreath on a draped pedestal, with a union shield on the right panel. An attractive portrait of Washington the obverse rounds out the handsome design.
Reissuance of the medal began in the mid-nineteenth century. Fuld/Rulau report 308 bronze examples struck between 1859 and the 1870s, while Musante reports 303 struck between 1861 and 1904.
This piece sports beautiful, even red-brown coloration and original, problem-free surfaces.
Provenance:Early American History Auctions, Inc. Autographs, Coins, Currency, Americana, December 11th, 1999, Lot #29.
Auction: Coins, Medals & Sports Memorabilia, Nov 4, 2025
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Auction of Coins, Medals & Sports Memorabilia on November 4, 2025 Surpasses Expectations
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Featuring a Newly Discovered Hispanic Society Sorolla Medal in Silver that Achieved $5,748
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Consignments Art Currently Being Accepted for Future Auctions
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle's auction of Coins, Medals & Sports Memorabilia on November 4, 2025 saw competitive bidding drive strong results and a sale total that surpassed expectations. Collectors and enthusiasts vied for a diversity of United States and World numismatic rarities from collections in the New York area and other regions of the country.
A newly discovered Hispanic Society of America Sorolla Medal sparked spirited bidding at the sale, soaring past its estimate of $250-500 to achieve a stunning $5,748. Presented to artist Cecilia Beaux in 1937, the medal is possibly a unique example struck in silver, rather than bronze. It was designed by Victor David Brenner--whose signature appears on the reverse--the Lithuanian-American sculptor best known for creating the Lincoln portrait on the U.S. cent first issued in 1909. Named for the Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla, whose likeness adorns the obverse, the medal was established in 1924, concidentally the year of Brenner’s death. It is awarded periodically to honor outstanding contributions to Hispanic arts and culture. The medal holds additional interest given the Hispanic Society’s proximity to the original American Numismatic Society building in West Harlem.
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Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for complimentary auction estimates. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.
