9714

1865 Benjamin Franklin School Medal in Silver, Very Choice Uncirculated.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:130.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
1865 Benjamin Franklin School Medal in Silver, Very Choice Uncirculated.
Julian SC-11, Storer 407. Deep colorful, rather magnificent toning. Bust of Franklin facing left, surrounded by the legend "THE GIFT OF FRANKLIN" with the date 1790 in Roman numerals below. By F.N. Mitchell. 34.0 mm. Struck at the United States Mint. With the original suspension loop. Awarded to George Parker in 1865 and engraved with his name and date on the back. R.W. Julian provides some history of these interesting medals in his "Medals of the United States Mint": "Prior to 1867, when the rules of distribution were changed, it was common practice to distribute from 100 to 150 Franklin medals each year to boys in the [Boston] public schools. In September 1867, the companion City Medal (for girls) was abolished and Franklin medals awarded to all. At the same time there was a drastic tightening of the eligibility rules with the result that, after 1867, strikings were usually between twenty and thirty medals per year." "In May, 1879, the mint notified the Boston School Committee, under whose authority the medals were struck, that the reverse die was cracking and suggested a new one. A new reverse was executed, probably by Henry Mitchell, within a short time after that. The Franklin medals were last struck by the U.S. Mint about 1947."