2017-08-16 Wed

Even after 100 years, Karl Goetz from Germany is known for his satirical medal designs. One of his works that highlighted “American neutrality” before America entered the war, will be auctioned by Stephen Album Rare Coins’ on 14th and 15th September in Santa Rosa.

The obverse of the 1915 medal features a portrait of President Woodrow Wilson, who kept Americans out of the war for over 2 and half years. The president is wearing glasses and there is a laurel wreath on the coin. There is a scarf on both ends on his shoulders features eagles, one of which is two-headed. A legend translates to “liberty, neutrality, humanity.”

The reverse depicts Uncle Sam sitting on cannonballs. He holds a ship in one hand and a moneybag in the other. The background features a cannon and other armaments. The legend on the reverse translates to “America’s neutral trading”. The imagery portrays the fact that America traded with both sides and financial support was offered by American banks to allies in France and the UK.

The 56 millimeters medal, graded Mint State 65 brown by Numismatic Guaranty Corp has an estimate of $250 to $350.