Medal Monday: 1867 Cyrus W. Field Congressional Gold Medal NGC MS-62

1867 Cyrus W. Field Congressional Gold Medal. Julian PE-10. MS62 NGC. Gold, 102.2 mm. 847.5 grams. The edge of this spectacular medal is 9.5 mm. thick from rim to rim. The specific gravity suggests that this gold medal is .900 fine, with a net of just under 25 troy ounces of gold. While the Congressional resolution was approved in 1867, this medal was struck in 1868 per the NGC (1868) notation.



While slightly hazy, this impressive medal has brilliant lemon-yellow surfaces with fully mirrored fields and excellent cameo contrast. A glass reveals faint hairlines that fail to diminish the extraordinary eye appeal. Prior to certification, a trivial rim bruise was observed at 6:30 on the obverse that is virtually invisible in the holder. All of the design elements are boldly defined. Despite the relatively soft gold medal, the mere size of this piece, the sharpness of the detail, and the high relief suggests that a powerful press was used, likely requiring several blows toward a successful production. The quality of workmanship is obvious at a mere glance.



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