1736 Cistern Colonial Medal Die Trial in Pewter Betts 169

Description

1736 Cistern Lottery Colonial Medal Die Trial in Pewter Betts 169
We have a very rare die test example here struck in pewter (white metal). It measures 38.3 mm and weighs 22.26 g.
Originally from 2011 Stacks/Bowers Sale and described there as follows:
"1736 Jernegan's Cistern Medal. White Metal, 38.4mm. By John Tanner. Betts-169, MI:72. Choice Extremely Fine. Obv. Helmeted Pallas Athena stands amid emblems of war and the arts, BOTH HANDS FILLD FOR BRITAIN. Rev. Queen watering palmettos, GROWING ARTS ADORN EMPIRE, CAROLINE PROTECTING. The Queen was patron of this goldsmith and exercised considerable influence over her spouse King George II. Most medals seen are in Silver, the present example’s surfaces suggest a cast."
They have it all wrong on this one!  I had one very similar about 10 years ago (long gone) and asked Christopher Eimer (author/researcher of British medals) about it then. He told me just about every early British medals are known with pewter die trials. That makes sense, as all dies need to be tested. The auction company above writes, "surfaces suggest a cast." The planchet may have been from a cast, but this medal here is STRUCK with the original dies.
I can't recall how much I got for the last one I had. In fact, this piece may be the one I sold way back. I just don't know. Anyways, if you are a collector who appreciates truly rare historical medals, this example is for you! I bet none of your friends has one.
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