1826 Erie Canal Completion Medal in 18kt Gold

Description:

1826 Erie Canal Completion Medal in 18kt Gold, Archibald Robertson, designer, Charles Cushing Wright, maker, the medal struck in commemoration of the opening of the Erie Canal, presented by the Common Council of the City of New York to John Quincy Adams, who was president at the time of completion, in honor of their celebration. The obverse depicting Pan and Neptune, with legend: "UNION OF ERIE WITH THE ATLANTIC"; the reverse depicting an eagle perched on a world globe over a shield, and a scroll inscribed "EXCELSIOR," with legend: "ERIE CANAL COMM. 4 JULY 1817 COMP. 26 OCT. 1825"; the inscription in exergue reading: "1826/PRESENTED BY THE CITY OF NEW YORK." The medal is set into a square red leather case with cream-colored silk satin and blue silk velvet-lined interior.

Provenance: Direct family descent of John Quincy Adams.

Note: When a young nation marked the completion of the eight-year construction of the Erie Canal in 1825 and 1826, celebration took many forms. From the grand procession down the canal to commemorative transfer-ware plates, opportunities for the general public to participate in the occasion abounded. For the heroes of the republic, a more artistic and dignified signifier was deemed necessary, and Archibald Robertson was commissioned to design a commemorative medal. Struck in gold, silver, and composition white metal in 1826, the gold versions were reserved for surviving signers of the Declaration of Independence, certain heroes of the Revolution (including the family of George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette),and past and sitting Presidents, including John Quincy Adams.

Allegorical in subject matter, the medal depicts Pan's visit to Neptune, representing the union of the eastern seaboard with the western Great Lakes region. To a nation hovering on the brink of westward expansion, this connection was indeed monumental and precipitated a great rise in settlement in western New York and regions beyond. On the reverse, the arms of the state of New York appear along with an image of the canal, its locks, and the city of New York. As an example of state-of-the-art engineering, the canal and its locks were a marvel, representing the accomplishments of many minds and hands and symbolizing the enterprising spirit that was quickly becoming entwined in American national identity. In this medal, the expansive hopes of a new nation were presented in material form to the heroes who laid its foundation, including the recipient of this example, sixth president of the young United States, John Quincy Adams.
Estimate $30,000-50,000

Condition: About 6 nicks/dents to medal edges, most very small one about 3/16 in. lg., the case is split, with some of the leather lifting on the hinge.

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