Watch List notes:

GUATEMALA. Economic Society of the Friends of Guatemala Silver Award Medal, ND (ca. 1847-89). Nueva Guatemala Mint. PCGS Genuine--Harshly Cleaned, Unc Details.
Fonrobert-Unlisted; Medina-7. After J. C. Espana. Diameter: 32mm. Obverse: Radiant manus Dei emanating from the clouds, presenting three wreaths: laurel, grain, and floral; below, large base upon which lie implements of the arts; in foreground, bust to right; Reverse: Oval coat-of-arms with hands emptying cornucopia over three mountaintops; all surrounded by coffee wreath. This lovely silver medal displays beautiful well-struck designs. The fields exhibits swirls of friction marks throughout, evidence of the noted harsh cleaning. The finely-detailed devices remain quite original, and the piece shows a pleasing hint of warm toning. Despite its shortcomings, an attractive example of this RARE medal.

Spain found herself falling behind fellow European powers economically and intellectually in the later 18th Century. In response, leading Spanish intellectuals established the Sociedades Economicas de Amigos del Pais (Economic Societies of Friends of the Country) in order to stimulate Enlightenment thought in Spain and throughout her empire. While most colonial chapters faltered, the Guatemalan organization flourished and reached its zenith in the early days of the independent Guatemalan republic. The Society regularly held contests to award its members' achievements in arts, culture, and social work. Beautiful medals such as the present example were awarded to contest winners throughout the middle of the 19th century. To view all items from the Pat Johnson Collection, click here.

From the Pat Johnson Collection.

Privately purchased from Freeman Craig.

Estimate: $400 - $600