(1876) Bronze Medal GW-896, 2nd Obv Lake Champlain

Coin Details

Auction Record

$576 MS63 04-13-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

This bronze medal cataloged as GW-896, struck from the second obverse die, commemorates the Battle of Lake Champlain, produced circa 1876. The bronze composition distinguishes this from the bronzed white metal versions in the standard centennial battle series, indicating a higher-quality striking for more discriminating collectors. The second obverse die represents a later production run with subtle differences from the original portrait die. The Lake Champlain battle — Benedict Arnold's naval engagement at Valcour Island — was strategically crucial for delaying the British invasion from Canada. The bronze version of the Lake Champlain medal offers superior durability and detail compared to white metal versions, and its more refined composition indicates it was produced by a different die sinker or mint than the mass-market centennial series. The GW-896 catalog number distinguishes this from GW-888, indicating distinct dies despite the shared subject.

Rarity Notes

GW-896, bronze, 2nd Obverse. Lake Champlain. Higher-quality bronze composition. Scarcer than white metal versions.

Cross References

PCGS #897277; GW-896; Lake Champlain, bronze, 2nd Obv