This is the one that really got me started medal collecting it was in its box of issue and only cost £10 as mentioned in The New York Times 1900 it was for friends only, although I suspect that the "Friends" would have been people in the publishing business to promote his printing press. So what got you going?
Gutenberg press medal. United States of America, 1900. Diameter 69mm, 4mm thick, 113 grams. Obverse by Anton Scharff (signed Bottom). Medal to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the birth of Gutenberg. Obverse: Hand powered press centre and branch curving around the left edge. Lettering Printing press used by Gutenberg in 1450 To the honor and memory of Johan Gutenberg inventor of movable types.Reverse: Modern printing press and lettering Octuple press printing 192,000 4 page newspapers per hour centre and lettering around the edge In commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the birth of Gutenberg. Medal turn. Plain edge. No marks medal still in box. "This Gutenberg medal is said to be very satisfactory both in its design and execution."
"While the Medal, which is in bronze and about two and two-third inches in diameter, is of the greatest beauty and value. No copies are for sale, the medal being intended entirely for private distribution among Mr. Hoes personal friends" Extracts from an article in The New York Times September 22,1900 .
Anton Scharff (Austria 1845-1903) was one of the most celebrated medallists of the late 19th century. Born in Vienna, he was a pupil at the Graveur-Akademie.
My collection of commemorative medals and tokens.
http://www.neocollect.com/user/daveRoyal Families medal collecting community.
http://www.neocollect.com/c/Royalty/
Posted 07/16/2012 4:40 pm
