My 1927 Vermont, Battle Of Bennington, Sesquicentennial Half

I'd like to start collecting the old classic commem's, but they are soooooo expensive.

LeeG -

I suspect that your lovely toned, honest surfaces example is a circulated coin ... could be wrong ... although I have some knowledge on the topic of circulated classic silver commemorative.

If those photos (very nice BTW) were presented to me in an ebay auction ... I would judge for myself as a lovely AU50/55 example ...

Next I will be embarrassed by your reply of MS66 ... LOL.

Such is the nature of grading coins by photograph ... What's a few grade points amongst friends?

The outstanding visual appeal of the coin is quite impressive ... very well selected indeed ... and a lovely addition to any set of these rare and tremendous works of USA numismatic art.

Many Thanks as well for the image of Sherry Fry design plasters ...

I don't recall ever viewing them ... and personally prefer the Charles Keck catamount version as issued ...

Where else are you going to find a catamount on a USA coin?

Thanks for the sharing ... pleased that you are here with us.

David

Wow, I love that orange coloration, so beautiful.

Slightly off topic but the County National Bank issued national bank notes. The notes would be large size as the switch to small size happened two years later.

Here's a picture of a large size from this bank http://lynknight.com/ShowAuctionDet...on_Id=222562

-MV

My Icon is the Vermont Medal that Charles Keck also designed for the Commission at no cost. Six were made in silver. I would love to find one of them.

I found this reference information and thought it would add to the information around this coin. John Spargo was the President of the Vermont Sesqui-Centennial Commission. Charles Keck was the Designer/Sculptor. Charles Keck was very well known and began his formal training in art at the National Academy of Design in New York City, later joining the Art Students League in the same city.

During the period 1893-1897 he worked for Augustus Saint-Gaudens in the sculptor's New York studio. Keck studied in Rome, Florence, and other European cities from early 1901, returning to the United States in 1905, where he established a studio he was to maintain for the rest of his life. At one time he did much work for the architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White. As years went on, Charles Keck achieved great success as a sculptor.

The great depression of 1929 hurt many Americans. Not just the poor but those of means also as this letter explains:

"Charles Keck
Forty West Tenth Street
New York

October 16, 1934.

Mr. John Spargo,
Nestledown,
Old Bennington, Vermont.

Dear Mr. Spargo:

I have not had the pleasure of hearing from you in many years and I am not even sure that this letter will reach you, but I am writing on the chance of your still being in Bennington.

When I visited you last, it was in reference to a Lincoln Memorial which it was proposed to erect in Bennington. I left a little bronze figure of Lincoln with you, hoping that some time money might be available to erect this monument.

Although I was one of those unfortunates that lost everything in 1929, I have been exceedingly busy up until now but at the present time, like everyone else, I have reached a point where there is nothing more to do. I am therefore writing to ask if there is any possibility of this monument being erected, or if you should happen to know of any other sculptural project that I might go after.

Although I dislike writing a letter of this kind, I find it necessary to get in touch with all my friends in order that I may continue to have work.

If you are in New York at any time, I shall be delighted to have you stop in to see some of the many things that I have done since the depression. I should appreciate very much your letting me hear from you, and remain with kindest regards,

Yours sincerely,

(signed) Charles Keck