For Sale: HK-72C 1876 Centennial American Colonies / Star Reverse SCD

A great rarity with Soley’s Star reverse. This unique medal has the number 8 counterpunched on the reverse following No. for number. This is the only number known counterpunched on the reverse of the Star SCDs. The obverse depicts an interesting scene with a farmer and a colonial soldier preparing for battle. Remember that Washington’s troops were farmers, fighting for their independence from the British which had the finest trained army in existence at that time. Engraved by George B. Soley, assistant engraver at the U.S. Mint. Struck in bronze. Soley’s American Colonies obverse die and his Star reverse die with legend stating it was struck in the Centennial Building at the exposition. In 1875 Soley purchased the U.S. Mint’s first steam coining press, refurbished it, and took it to the Centennial Exposition to strike medals.