(c.1868) Medal J-PE-10 Aluminum Cyrus Field

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,040 MS63BN 08-24-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

This aluminum medal from circa 1868, cataloged as Julian PE-10, honors Cyrus W. Field, the visionary entrepreneur who successfully laid the first permanent transatlantic telegraph cable in 1866. The Julian catalog designation PE-10 places this within the Personal medals series of United States government medal references. The aluminum composition is particularly noteworthy for this period — in 1868, aluminum was still a precious metal, more valuable than gold, as the Hall-Heroult process for inexpensive aluminum production would not be developed until 1886. An aluminum medal from this era represents an exceptionally rare and valuable piece of metallurgical history in addition to its commemorative significance. Field's achievement in connecting America and Europe by telegraph cable was recognized as one of the greatest technological triumphs of the nineteenth century, and his medal in this rare metal reflects the extraordinary esteem in which he was held by his contemporaries.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Julian PE-10, aluminum. Pre-1886 aluminum pieces are extremely rare due to the metal's extreme cost before the Hall-Heroult process.

Cross References

PCGS #679605; Julian PE-10; Cyrus W. Field; Aluminum; Transatlantic Cable; c.1868