NUMISMATIC NUGGETS: DECEMBER 5, 2021

1777-Dated Revolutionary War Period, Benjamin Franklin Portrait Terra Cotta Medallion Plaque, shown wearing his popular American Beaver Fur Hat, by Jean-Baptiste Nini, Choice Near Mint.

Large size 4.5 diameter (113 mm) high-relief Portrait Medallion of Benjamin Franklin in Terra Cotta (a fired ceramic clay). Produced in France by sculptor, Jean-Baptiste Nini during the height of Franklin's popularity with the French nation. Nini made a small variety of Franklin portrait medallions in Terra Cotta for sale in both France and America. This variety shows Franklin wearing his famous Beaver Fur Hat with the inscription B. Franklin - Americain. Nini has signed and dated within the text located on the truncation of Franklin's bust with NINI - 1777. The 2005 John Ford Jr. Collection Auction Sale contained two similar Terra Cotta Plaques by Nini. One in very choice condition sold for $5,750 and one in lower quality sold for $3,220. This current Nini Medallion is of museum quality, having excellent eye appeal for display, near Mint having some minor nicks on the outer rim edge. The top rim has a small metal ring attached to a piece of twine to hang on display. A nice example of this historic, contemporarily produced, Revolutionary War period French tribute to Benjamin Franklin. In France as America's foremost ambassador and statesman to the King and his court.

To read the complete lot description, see:
1777 Benjamin Franklin Terra Cotta Medallion By Nini Variety Franklin Wearing His American Beaver Fur Hat (https://www.earlyamerican.com/Auctions/ClientPages/lots.item.php?auction=10&customerid=3683&source=email.2021.10.06&lot=118)

All Proof Liberty Head double eagles are rare. Only seven issues—dating back to 1859—have mintages of more than 100. With survival rates typically around one-third to one-half of the original mintage, most of the more available Type Three Proofs (struck from 1877 through 1907) have around three to four dozen known. And of these limited number of coins, one has to factor in harshly cleaned or impaired coins as well as pieces off the market in institutional or important private collections.

75 Proofs of this date were made. I feel that there are three dozen known, tops.

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ON HOLD - $20.00 - 1898 PCGS PR63+ CAM CAC (https://raregoldcoins.com/rare-gold-coin-inventory/just-added-2000-1898-pcgs-pr63-cam-cac)

James Buchanan: Large DeWitt #1 Inaugural Medal. JB-1856-1, 60 mm gilded white metal. A superlative example with no wear with nicely toned reflective fields. The gilding is worn off in a small area of the side, in the 8 o'clock position, with two "test" scratches, but this is not visible from the front. The nicest example we have seen.

To read the complete lot description, see:
James Buchanan: Large DeWitt #1 Inaugural Medal.... (https://historical.ha.com/itm/political/tokens-and-medals/james-buchanan-large-dewitt-1-inaugural-medal/a/6250-43046.s)

FREE MASON TEMPLAR SILVER MEDAL TOKEN "PRESENTED TO MRS HARPER 1890"

Featured Refinements: Knights Templar Collectible
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States

To read the complete lot description, see:
FREE MASON TEMPLAR SILVER MEDAL TOKEN "PRESENTED TO MRS (https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/118341115_free-mason-templar-silver-medal-token-presented-to-mrs)

USA purple heart medal for military merit with ribbon

To read the complete lot description, see:
USA purple heart medal for military merit with ribbon (https://auctions.featonbys.co.uk/catalogue/lot/
c811fc3868156526d191e57d4ac1c19b/5cec338864d5237b7de5aafb442f320f/
jewellery-memorabilia-coin-rolex-collectables-auct-lot-234)

A coin and medal collection in a Victorian mahogany 12 coin tray collector's case, 30 x 26 x 17cm including UK George III to George VI coins, Napoleon III 5 & 10 centimes, U.S. five cents etc.

To read the complete lot description, see:
A coin and medal collection in a Victorian mahogany 12 coin ... (https://www.easyliveauction.com/catalogue/lot/
885c0690c73cf4cb3f2d7de5682c942c/0af8d24542e81eb9357e7ef448a6646f/
gorringes-weekly-sale-furniture-miscellaneous-paint-lot-457/)

Japan Greater Japan Imperial National Bank, Nagahama 2 Yen ND (1873) Pick 11 PMG Very Fine 20.

Although all varieties of this denomination are rarely seen today, this type, issued through the Nagahama branch of the Imperial National Bank, is especially uncommon. Nagahama is located in South-Central Japan, and notes issued there were easily overshadowed by Tokyo or other large city emissions. Only standard circulation is seen on this pretty 19th century banknote. The warriors of the Middle Ages, Kojima Takanori and Nitta Yoshisada, are depicted at front and the Imperial Palace in Tokyo is engraved on the back of this scarce and desirable banknote.

To read the complete lot description, see:
Japan Greater Japan Imperial National Bank, Nagahama 2 Yen ND (1873) Pick 11 PMG Very Fine 20.. ... (https://currency.ha.com/itm/world-currency/japan-greater-japan-imperial-national-bank-nagahama-2-yen-nd-1873-pick-11-pmg-very-fine-20/a/4034-26435.s)

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web