1871-dated Chicago Fire Bronze Medal, J-CM-13 51mm NGC MS65 Prooflike

Simply OUTSTANDING coloration on both obverse and reverse!

Dated "1871" but struck in 1872, Chicago Fire Commemorative Medal. By William Barber. Julian CM-13. Bronze. MS-65 Prooflike (NGC).

Five hundred examples of this medal were struck in July of 1872 using bronze recovered from the Chicago Courthouse bell. The medal commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of October 8-10, 1871, that is believed to have killed nearly 300 people and destroyed more than three square miles of the city. We are aware of and have seen a 3" x 4 1/2" document that certifies that these Chicago Fire medals were struck from the Courthouse bell and carries an assurance from the Philadelphia Mint Chief Coiners Department attesting to it and further signed by A. Loudon Snowden, Chief Coiner - later to be Superintendent of the Mint. (Document not included, unfortunately!)