Stack's Bowers Galleries Shatters World Record with Sale of Rare Comitia Americana Medal

Stack's Bowers Galleries' March 25th, 2024 auction showcased the Richard Margolis Collection Part I, setting a world record with the sale of a rare Comitia Americana Bronze Stoney Point Medal for $900,000, making it the most valuable original Comitia Americana, Paris Mint, and 18th-century medal ever auctioned. The auction also featured exceptional silver and bronze medals, as well as a collection of Nini terracottas, led by a large 1778 portrait terracotta of Benjamin Franklin, which sold for $31,200.

Stack's Bowers Galleries Sets New World Record with Sale of Exceptional Comitia Americana Bronze Stoney Point Medal

In a historic auction that solidified its position as a leading force in the Numismatic Americana market, Stack's Bowers Galleries presided over the March 25, 2024, sale of Part I of the Richard Margolis Collection. A meticulous assembly spanning over six decades by a prominent American numismatist and researcher, the Margolis Collection showcased an array of prized artifacts, with the highlight being the only intact 1779 (1789) John Stewart at Stony Point medal available to private collectors.

This exceptional bronze specimen, graded MS-62 by PCGS, sparked an intense bidding war, ultimately selling for an astonishing $900,000 USD – a world record for any bronze medal ever auctioned. Its triumph marks a pivotal milestone, making it the most valuable original Comitia Americana medal, Paris Mint medal, and 18th-century medal of its kind ever sold.

The Stewart medal, a testament to the valor of Major John Stewart at Stony Point along the Hudson River, was bestowed upon him by the Continental Congress. It is one of only three Comitia Americana medals awarded for this valiant action, the other recipients being General Anthony Wayne and French engineer Lieutenant Colonel Francois DeFleury.

The Margolis Collection sale also witnessed remarkable results for other premium pieces. A choice MS-62 (PCGS) silver 1776 (1783) Libertas Americana medal commanded $180,000; a rare PCGS AU-58 (ca. 1789) John Paul Jones silver medal realized $90,000; and an exceptional PCGS MS-63 ca. 1787 Nathanael Green at Eutaw Springs bronze medal soared to $84,000.

Three further pieces fetched $72,000 each: a superb MS-63 BN (PCGS) bronze DeFleury at Stony Point medal; an exquisite silver ca. 1777 George III Lion and Wolf medal graded AU-55 (PCGS); and an extremely rare bronze (ca. 1790) Benjamin Franklin / Lord of Lightning medal graded MS-64 BN by PCGS.

"The unwavering demand for historic American medals and numismatic Americana continues to ignite the auction market," remarked cataloger John Kraljevich. "When a collection of this magnitude and provenance, meticulously curated by a renowned figure like Richard Margolis, surfaces, collectors eagerly seize the opportunity to acquire these treasures. The exceptional prices achieved attest to the enduring appeal of these iconic artifacts."

Beyond the coveted Betts medals and historic American medals, the sale also encompassed Margolis' world-class collection of portrait medallions of American historical figures crafted by renowned artisans such as Nini and Wedgwood. The selection of Nini terracottas, notably including a large 1778 portrait terracotta of Benjamin Franklin (Margolis-19), captivated collectors, with the latter realizing an impressive $31,200.

Collectors and enthusiasts can access the complete prices realized for The Richard Margolis Collection Part I on the StacksBowers.com website. For further information about Stack's Bowers Galleries auctions or consignment inquiries, please contact the firm at 800-458-4646 or [email protected].