1834 EDWIN FORREST PORTRAIT MEDAL

EDWIN FORREST PORTRAIT MEDAL, 1834. 42.8mm. Silver. (41.8 grams). C.C. Wright (Obv.) & C. Ingham, (Rev.) Proof-like About Uncirculated, lightly hairlined. Obverse with a bust of Forrest to the left surrounded by the legend: HISTRIONI OPTIMO. EDUINO FORREST. VIRO PRAESTANTI. MDCCCXXXIV. The reverse shows Melpomene, the Muse of Tragedy seated, holding in one hand a wreath, the other holding a dagger, and resting on her lap. A mask rests beside her. Legend: GREAT IN MOUTHS OF WISEST CENSURE. Original case of issue.

Edwin Forrest (1806-72) is considered the first great native born actor of the American theater. He was celebrated in his Shakespearan roles as one of the century's great tragedians. His exuberant acting style carried over into his personal behavior and he conducted a famous feud with his rival, the English actor, William Charles Macready. The rivalry culminated in the Astor Place riot (1849) in New York City where a mob of several thousand anti-Macready/anti-British Forrest partisans protested Macready's performance and did battle with 300 policemen and the militia. The result was that thirty-one of the rioters were killed and many more were injured.

Life of Edwin Forrest By William Rounseville Alger: 2 struck in gold; 26 in silver.

For more information, see: Presidential Coin & Antique Company, Inc. (inauguralmedals.com)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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