(1779) Medal J-MI-5, Betts-575 White Metal Major Henry Lee

Coin Details

Description

This white metal cliche of the Major Henry Lee Comitia Americana medal (Julian MI-5, Betts-575) is a thin uniface impression preserving the design in its most delicate format. White metal cliches were produced as samples, die proofs, or collector pieces, offering an affordable way to own an impression of the celebrated Comitia Americana dies. The Henry Lee medal commemorates the Paulus Hook raid of August 1779, and this cliche preserves one face of the design in the soft tin-lead alloy characteristic of white metal production. Cliches of Comitia Americana medals are collected alongside full strikings as part of the complete record of these historically important dies. The white metal composition is extremely soft and susceptible to bending, denting, and corrosion, making well-preserved examples scarce despite their relatively simple production method.

Rarity Notes

White metal cliche of the Henry Lee Comitia Americana medal. Fragile format. Very scarce.

Cross References

Betts-575; J-MI-5; PCGS #825290