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This is a memorial medal issued following theassassination of President Lincoln. Itcomes in its original plastic-like gutta percha** union case. It measures approximately 3 ¼” by 4” by 1”and features an ornate floral front and back.The interiors is lined with velvet – a carved purple velvet “pillow” onthe left and a brown velvet “frame” on the right.
The obverse side features a profile bust ofLincoln in high relief. It is inscribed with“Abraham Lincoln 1865.” At the lowerlevel of Lincoln’s shoulder is the artist signature, “W. H. Key SC” – a prominentmedallion designer of his time.
The reverse side features a broken columnwith a shield bearing the initials “AL”Behind the column are a grouping of American flags. Surrounding the column are the words, “HE ISIN GLORY AND THE NATION IN TEARS.” Belowthe column, it is inscribed, “Born Feb. 12, 1809. Assassinated Apr. 14, 1865.” The artist initials “W.H.K.” also appear onthe obverse side below the column.
It is approximately 2\" in diameter and weights 2 oz. It has a silver appearance, but has not been tested for composition and does not bear any silver identifying marks. The value is in its history more than its composition.
It is rare to find this medal in its originalgutta percha presentation case, which was usually provided to distinguishedrecipients.
** Accordingto Wikipedia: Gutta-percha is a namefor a set of trees… noted for their … rigid natural latex. Heavy use ofgutta-percha during the second half of the 19th century …led to unsustainableharvesting and a collapse of the supply.The word \'gutta-percha\' comes from the plant\'s name in Malay, getahpercap\".