3278

Harding Medallion in Buckskin Pouch [162778]

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / Exonumia - Medals Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:100.00 - 250.00 USD
Harding Medallion in Buckskin Pouch [162778]
SOLD
50.00USD+ (12.50) buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2023 Apr 01 @ 13:25UTC-7 : PDT/MST
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This 1923 Warren Harding Commemorative medallion was struck by the United States Mint in Philadelphia not long after the assassination of the 29th president that year. It came to us in the included buckskin pouch with a consignment of Native American beaded buckskin items, though we do not know the significance or relationship between the pouch and the medallion. The pouch appears to have been sized specifically to fit the Harding medallion, and it is ornamented with a pierced 1905 Indian Head penny. Dr. Jesse Kraft at the American Numismatic Society tells us that the Harding medallion dies were engraved by George T. Morgan (of Morgan dollar fame) while he was the Chief Engraver. The three-inch (77mm) Harding medallion was produced in bronze and silver by the US Mint beginning in October of 1923. 55 pieces were struck before the reverse die broke, requiring a new die to be engraved, but this time the reverse design included MORGAN at the bottom, whereas it did not appear on either side of the first 55 strikes. Then, 508 medallions were struck until the obverse die wore out and was replaced with a new die that had Morgan's name and 1922 added to the right of Harding's shoulder. With Morgan's name on both sides (see photos), this piece is one of the third and least rare strike sets of the Harding medallion. Of minor note is the appearance of a row of swastikas above Morgan's name on the reverse. This was not uncommon at the time and predates the appropriation of this ancient "good luck" symbol by the German Nazi party prior to WWII.

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