1852 Medal Satterlee-120 Bronze 76mm Henry Clay - Constitution

Coin Details

Auction Record

$288 MS62BN 03-31-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

This large 76mm bronze memorial medal for Henry Clay is cataloged as Satterlee-120 and bears the theme of the Constitution, linking Clay's legacy to his lifelong defense of constitutional principles and legislative compromise. At 76 millimeters in diameter, this is a substantial presentation-quality piece rather than a mass-distribution item, and its bronze composition indicates it was produced as a higher-grade commemorative. The medal dates to 1852 and was produced shortly after Clay's death to honor the statesman who had devoted his career to preserving the Union through legislative accommodation. Clay's connection to the Constitution was profound — he served as Speaker of the House, Secretary of State, and Senator, and his three great compromises (the Missouri Compromise of 1820, the Tariff Compromise of 1833, and the Compromise of 1850) each addressed fundamental constitutional questions about the nature of the Union and the balance between free and slave states. The Satterlee-120 designation places this among the major commemorative pieces cataloged in Satterlee's reference work on American political medals. The combination of large diameter, bronze composition, and constitutional theme marks this as a memorial piece intended for display rather than wear.

Rarity Notes

Large 76mm bronze memorial medal from 1852. Satterlee-120. The large format and bronze composition indicate a limited production run for a discerning audience. Scarce in the numismatic market.

Cross References

PCGS #827934; Satterlee-120; Henry Clay - Constitution theme; 76mm bronze