$156,000
1826 Erie Canal Completion Medal in 18kt Gold, Archibald Robertson, designer, Charles Cushing Wright, maker, the medal struck in commemoration of the opening of the Erie Canal, presented by the Common Council of the City of New York to John Quincy Adams, who was president at the time of completion, in honor of their celebration. The obverse depicting Pan and Neptune, with legend: "UNION OF ERIE WITH THE ATLANTIC"; the reverse depicting an eagle perched on a world globe over a shield, and a scroll inscribed "EXCELSIOR," with legend: "ERIE CANAL COMM. 4 JULY 1817 COMP. 26 OCT. 1825"; the inscription in exergue reading: "1826/PRESENTED BY THE CITY OF NEW YORK." The medal is set into a square red leather case with cream-colored silk satin and blue silk velvet-lined interior. Provenance: Direct family descent of John Quincy Adams. Note: When a young nation marked the completion of the eight-year construction of the Erie Canal in 1825 and 1826, celebration took many forms. From the grand procession down the canal to commemorative transfer-ware plates, opportunities for the general public to participate in the occasion abounded. For the heroes of the republic, a more artistic and dignified signifier was deemed necessary, and Archibald Robertson was commissioned to design a commemorative medal. Struck in gold, silver, and composition white metal in 1826, the gold versions were reserved for surviving signers of the Declaration of Independence, certain heroes of the Revolutio Read more…
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2012-10-28
