Lot 2
1792 French Lyon Convention Medal in Bronze. MS-60. Weight 655.0 grains; diameter 39.0 millimeters. Frosty steel and chocolate with brassy light brown showing through in protected areas. There are a few small spots of darker toning on both sides, and traces of very fine carbon can be found in a few of these spots. The reverse rim was carefully smoothed, possibly after striking to remove a wire edge. Sharply struck. This medal was struck to commemorate the artist's reunion convention held in Lyon, France, in 1792. It is included here with the Ray Rouse half cent collection because this medal may be the REAL model for the Liberty Cap design used for our first half cents. Breen suggested this possibility in his half cent encyclopedia (page 67), and a direct comparison of the designs certainly supports this position. Not only are the Liberty Cap designs more similar, but the wreath design on the reverse is a credible model for the reverse design used on our early half cents, right down to the use of a ribbon tied with a bow to connect the stem ends. We may never know for sure, but the argument in favor of the Lyon medal has a lot going for it. That's why an example is included here. (For a more indepth examination of this issue, see Ray Rouse's article in the July 2008 issue of Penny-Wise, the official newsletter of the Early American Coppers Club.).
Estimated Value $500 - 700.
Ex Ed Hipps 7/89.
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| Realized $1,438 |
