Did you know that Stack’s Bowers Galleries Co-Founder Q. David Bowers co-wrote (with Katherine Jaeger) a book called 100 Greatest American Medals and Tokens in 2007? Stack’s Bowers Galleries has had the pleasure of auctioning nearly every medal or token voted to this illustrious list. Here are some highlights from past auctions:
1. The Ford-Pogue Libertas Americana Medal in Silver. Betts-615. PCGS MS-63. — This specimen, sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries in March 2020 as part of the D. Brent Pogue Collection, realized $144,000. This desirable medal was voted #1 in the above mentioned book and has been a popular type since its creation.
2. "1776" (ca. 1789) Washington Before Boston Medal. Betts-542. PCGS SP-61. — Featured in the May 2019 Auction, this rare silver medal sold for $156,000. What makes this medal so exciting, is that it was new to the market and had never been accounted for prior to this sale. At #2 in the Bowers/Jaeger book, this medal has been seen in gold, silver, and copper.
3. 1801 Thomas Jefferson Indian Peace Medal. Julian IP-2. Choice Very Fine. — Taking the #3 spot in the list is the Jefferson Indian Peace Medal that was offered in Stack’s Bowers Galleries 2009 Philadelphia Americana Sale. Previously from the collections of John J. Ford, Jr. and F.C.C. Boyd, this amazing medal sold for $345,000.
4. "1796" Washington Seasons Medal. The Shepherd. Julian IP-51. PCGS AU-55. — This rare silver medal appeared in November of 2019 when Stack’s Bowers Galleries sold it for $43,200. Stack’s has sold each of the three motifs, including all three in November 2019. Julian IP-52, The Home, sold for $96,000 in the sale and Julian IP-53, The Sower, sold for $48,000. All six medals offered in the November 2019 sale, three in silver and three in copper, can be seen here
5. 1799 (1800) Washington Skull and Crossbones Funeral Medal. Baker-165. Mint State. — There are only two Washington Skull and Crossbones known in gold, and Stack’s Bowers Galleries had the pleasure of selling one in November 2006. Pedigreed to the Norweb Collection, this example sold for an amazing $253,000.
We invite you to browse the many impressive medals that we have sold over the years by accessing the Stack’s Bowers Galleries Auction Archives. Here you will be able to read, research, and enjoy your favorite coins, banknotes, and medals that we have sold over our 90 year history.
