(1852) Medal Satterlee-143 White Metal Henry Clay by Merriam

Coin Details

Auction Record

$264 MS63DMPL 04-12-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

This white metal memorial medal for Henry Clay, cataloged as Satterlee-143, was produced by the prominent die-sinker Joseph H. Merriam circa 1852 following Clay's death. Merriam operated out of Boston and was one of the most prolific producers of political and commemorative medals in mid-nineteenth century America, creating medallic portraits of presidents, generals, and political figures for commercial sale to an eager collecting public. The Satterlee catalog documents this as a distinct variety from the Satterlee-126 Clay memorial, indicating differences in die work, portrait style, or reverse design. Memorial medals for Clay were produced in substantial quantities reflecting both the genuine outpouring of national grief and the commercial opportunity that a famous statesman's death presented to medal makers. Clay's final speech in the Senate on February 5-6, 1850, introducing his omnibus compromise bill, is considered one of the greatest oratorical performances in American legislative history. The white metal composition of this Merriam-produced piece was his preferred medium for mass-market commemoratives, as it allowed detailed die work to be reproduced affordably.

Rarity Notes

White metal memorial medal by Merriam, circa 1852. Satterlee-143. Merriam of Boston produced numerous political medals and his work is collected as a distinct category within American political numismatics.

Cross References

PCGS #673918; Satterlee-143; Henry Clay memorial by Joseph H. Merriam; Boston die-sinker