Late 18th century (no date), Benjamin Franklin Medallic Portrait Shell Type of Fuld FR.ME.NL.9., Uniface Copper electrotype shell, undoubtedly for use on the cover of a period decorative box such as a snuff box, 45mm diameter, Choice Mint State.
This impressive bust of Benjamin Franklin has lustrous red and light brown surfaces with a light tone spot at Franklin's chin. This is identical in form, function, and production method to Ford XIV: Lots 364 and 365 which brought $575 and $460, respectively some two decades ago. While this design is not known to exist as a struck medal, someone with great expertise went through the trouble of preparing this obverse die and then making a number of fine electrotypes of it in the form of a Uniface copper shell. This is the first your cataloger has seen. It has been a flashy lustrous red and brown Uncirculated appearance. Other examples known look like this one. The Benjamin Franklin portrait is excellent, and the original die work is that of an exacting professional. A wonderful addition for any Franklin collection. Provenance: From the Richard Margolis Collection. Earlier from Presidential Coin and Antique Company's (Joe Levine) sale of April 1977, lot 841.