THE UNFORTUNATE FATE OF MANY GOLD MEDALS Público Deposited
The E-Sylum: Volume 7, Number 15, April 11, 2004, Article 15
THE UNFORTUNATE FATE OF MANY GOLD MEDALS
Alan V. Weinberg writes: "Regarding the whereabouts of the
U.S. Mint-struck gold Geo Robinson medal PE-27 addressed
in the latest E-Sylum email:It is probable that George Robinson, a simple soldier, or his
direct descendant family had the gold medal melted. It was
approximately 7 ozs of .900 fine gold, and in those days that
amount of almost pure gold represented a sizable sum. His
contemporary Mary Todd Lincoln, strapped for funds after her
husband's assassination, was known to have sold off many of
her possessions to continue eating. One of the items she likely
sold/melted was the massive Swiss-struck 4" diameter .900
or better gold medal struck in Switzerland designed by
engraver Franky Magniadas, and given to her by the Swiss
gov't - today still the most impressive Lincoln medal and
occasionally available in pristine chocolate bronze at auction.Incidentally, both Ford (ex JHU/Garrett IV ) and I (ex Zabriskie)
own splendid mint condition silver George Robinson medals,
great rarities in their own right. I'm virtually certain that Ford
does not own a gold."- 2004-04-11
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