Lot 1675
1925. Norse American Centennial. Gold Medal. ICG graded Matte Proof 67. Certainly one of the very finest known of the issue, only 100 were coined, and apparently 53 were returned to the Mint as unsold. Struck in Matte Proof, the surfaces are virtually perfect and show no signs of handling or age, aside from a tiny speck located near the foot of the first N in CENTENNIAL. One tiny rim tick is noted on the lower right obverse. The lovely design is by James Earle Fraser with the obverse depicting a Viking with shield and sword, and the reverse with an early Viking ship under full sail and oar power. These were struck in 1925 at the request of Minnesota Congressman O. J. Kvale. Official records indicate that 47 were sold, and a single trial piece remained with John R. Sinnock, the Chief Mint Engraver.
For many years these impressive octagonal medals were collected along with the regular commemorative coinage and were struck in copper-bronze, thick and thin silver and gold. A rarity that is seldom offered and certainly not approaching this quality when occasionally found.
Estimated Value $12,500-UP.
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