RZM Fine Arts and Antiques Inc: Ask the Appraiser

I was hoping you may be able to furnish me with any information you may know about this metal disc I found years ago. It belonged to my father-in-law who passed away in the 1970s. The only information I have is that it belonged to his grandfather and that it is quite valuable. Truth be told, I had not looked at it in years, but since I started reading your piece in the newspaper, I decided to find it and inquire about it. I tried to do a bit of research, but hit a dead end.  Thank you in advance for any info you can supply. I look forward to seeing you at the big antique show in Westwood, New Jersey on August 24th. I recently read you are going to be the antiques appraiser at this event. I have several more inherited items I would like you to appraise. Thank you in advance.

Dorothy in Oradell, NJ

The “metal disc” you currently possess is actually a solid sterling silver version of the rare 1826 Erie Canal Completion Medallion. When completed in October of 1825, the Erie Canal was an engineering marvel that was four decades in the making. This canal connected Buffalo and the Great Lakes in the west all the way to Albany and the Hudson River in the east, and by extension south to New York City and out to the Atlantic Ocean via the Hudson River. When the canal was finally completed it ushered in an era of economic, cultural and political prosperity in New York and specifically New York City, as a major port city along the east coast.

To commemorate the canal’s completion, which was the largest and most advanced construction project of its time, the Common Council of New York City authorized a medallion. The execution of this medallion was given to the important American artist Archibald Robertson. If you will notice, on the one side of your medallion it is decorated with an image of Pan’s visit to King Neptune with a cornucopia and the inscription: “Union of Erie with the Atlantic.” On the reverse of the medallion are the arms of the state, a representation of the canal and on the left the City of New York. One more important fact relating to the value of this medallion. Most medallions struck for this grand occasion were cast in white metal. The ones struck in sterling silver, like the one you have, were transmitted to the President, Heads of Departments and Governors. I will add that three additional medallions were struck in solid gold. These three gold medallions were given to the three surviving signers of the Declaration of Independence at that time. Based on your very clear photographs, the medallion appears in what is known in the antique business as Mint State condition. No scratches, wear or damage. As such, I would strongly recommend having this item slabbed and professionally certified and graded, by a third-party grading service. Condition, of course, is most important to value.  The current value of this historically important sterling silver medallion in the Mint State I believe it has remained, is $2,500 USD. If you contact me, I can furnish you with a list of approved grading services. My best wishes and thank you for reading this article each week.