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"1796 MEDAL Castorland Medal, Silver MS6"

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
 1796 MEDAL Castorland Medal, Silver MS6
<B>1796<MEDAL> Castorland Medal, Silver MS64 NGC.</B></I> Breen-1058. Reeded Edge. While this piece is certified as an original example, the distinction between originals and early restrikes has always been confusing. Breen suggested that the earliest restrikes "are almost indistinguishable from originals except by weight." In the absence of a recorded weight for this example, it is necessary to consider other diagnostics. Light die rust is visible around the handle of the vessel on the reverse, although there is no die crack through the final S, and no readily apparent die bulging at or near PARENS. All of the specific die details described by Breen are present, indicating that this example is from the coinage dies of the original <I>and</B></I> early restrike issues.<BR> This is a remarkable example with fully detailed obverse and reverse design motifs. Both sides have incredible grayish-brown color with intense blue and iridescent toning, fully consistent with the color of coins found in old-time collections. The fields are fully reflective. Is this a proof example, such as the Garrett Collection specimen? Unlike other examples, this specimen has medal turn or 360 degree die alignment.<BR> The engraver of the dies was obviously not familiar with the timing of maple sap production. The tap is flowing with sap running in a steady stream into the pot, yet the tree has a full set of leaves. The obverse legend refers to Castorland as a French-American colony, while the reverse legend translates to Hail, Great Mother of Crops. The present-day Castorland, New York, is located a short distance east of the eastern end of Lake Ontario, about 150 miles northwest of Albany and 150 miles south of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.