(BENJAMIN FRANKLIN) 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 Bust Portrait of Benjamin Franklin has lustrous underlying red and light brown surfaces with a few tiny tone spots. This copper shell is identical in form, function, and production method to Ford XIV: Lots 364 and 365 which brought $575 and $460, respectively over two decades ago. This design is not known to exist as any struck medal. An engraver with great expertise went through the trouble of preparing this obverse die and then making a few fine electrotypes in the form of a Uniface Medallic Copper Shell. This is the first example your cataloger has seen. It has a flashy lustrous red and brown Uncirculated appearance with nice eye appeal. The portrait of Benjamin Franklin is excellent due to the original die work of an exacting professional. This example would be a rare addition for any Benjamin Franklin collection. Provenance: From the Richard Margolis Collection. Earlier from Presidential Coin and Antique Company's (Joe Levine) sale of April 1977, lot 841.