Regarding the Tony Lopez segment on his newly acquired Mercator medal - it is mid 20th-century-made, scarce but available in its original blue case of issue in England. I've owned two. They are well made silver cast or electrotype plates joined back to back. I can't seem to recall who made them but memory seems to indicate a prominent numismatic firm like Spink or Baldwin some decades ago.

I distinctly remember to this day perhaps 45 years ago when a top left hand page article in either Coin World or Numismatic News pictured and announced the auction of a genuine old Mercator medal that sold for $50,000. I cannot remember where the sale took place or the buyer but something tells me it was a major institution, if my memory serves.

I read with interest the submission on the Drake Map Medal. It reminded me that I have a catalog where one was sold. Could this one have been an original?

It was in the Charles T. Jeffery collection, sold 6/15/1936 by Philadelphia auction house Samuel T Freeman. I am not at home to consult my catalog, but my computer comments state, "This almost unknown sale contained rather amazing material!"

Perhaps one of our readers who has this catalog would comment on the Drake lot description.

The Drake Mercator Map Medal discussion reminded me of an early 19th Century Map medal I also acquired from the UK. I don't have my notes on this at hand but know this is unlisted in copper by Rulau....