Lot 1209
1846 Loss of the Somers Medal. Julian-NA-24 NGC MS64 BR. NGC graded MS-64 Brown. Bronze, 57.5 mm. The USS Somers was a brig in the U.S. Navy from 1842 through 1846. During the Mexican-American War, Somers was on blockage duty in the Gulf of Mexico off Vera Cruz. On December 8, 1846, when chasing a blockage runner, Somers was capsized by a sudden squall. Seven crew members out of 39 were rescued by French, British, and Spanish ships. The Congress authorized the issue of a medal on March 3, 1847. However, no action was undertaken until october 1850. C. C. Wright was suggested to be the engraver for the work and the dies were ready on April 1851. The medal didn't go on sale until 1861, and the delay was caused by Wright's mistake on changing the motto on the reverse die. The medal has even dark chocolate toning on both sides. An important medal with interesting history, rarely offered in the market especially in this appeal. Estimated Value $600-UP
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| Realized $793 |
