Page 49 - 2020 March JOA

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Dear Appraisers, commissions was the 1913 Indian Head (Buffalo) nickel. Others
Over the past few years, I have collected Theodore Roosevelt items that include the Navy Cross and the WWI Victory Medal. Among his most
have the exact same image by J.E. Fraser. Two of the items (the plaque and famous sculptures is Contemplation of Justice at the U.S. Supreme
medal) are noted to be for the Roosevelt Memorial Association, but we are Court, General George Patton at West Point, and the statue of
unsure about the framed copper plate. What can you tell us about it? Alexander Hamilton at the US Treasury Building. His sculptures are
Thank you, found all over our Nation’s capital. Fraser was a contemporary of
Art Roosevelt. His portrait of Roosevelt was used on a variety of commem-
orative coins and plaques in the 1920s
and 1930s. You have an example of
both a commemorative plaque and a
commemorative coin. The plaque is
marked by Fraser 1920 with the copy-
right notation. The bottom of the
plaque has a quote from TR “Aggressive
Fighting for Right is the Noblest Sport
the World Affords.”
The coin is similarly marked with
the addition of TR’s dates of birth and
death in Roman numerals. The coin
was originally cast in gold, and one
of the first was presented to Owen
Wister, American writer of Western
stories. “For Distinguished Service” is
embossed on the reverse of the coin
with the addition of another TR
quote, “If I Must Choose Between
Righteousness and Peace, I choose
Righteousness.” There were only 136
issued in gold. The one presented to
Wister sold in 2011 for $21,645!
Another one sold in 2018 for $18,000.
Your plaque and coin are copy-
righted examples of these commem-
oratives struck in a base metal over-
laid with bronze. I have seen the coin
offered at auction with an estimate
of $200-400. The plaque ranges are
further apart. I have seen them
Hello, Art – offered for sale from $185 up to
Oh my goodness! You have acquired some great Theodore $999, depending on the condition.
Roosevelt memorabilia! Teddy Roosevelt is my favorite President. My The copper plaque is a more
parents’ home in Oyster Bay, NY backed up to TR’s home, Sagamore difficult “nut to crack!” I could not
Hill, in Oyster Bay. I have spent many hours there, going through his find any examples of Roosevelt’s
wonderful home and grounds. image in copper, nor anything
Theodore Roosevelt was born in 1858 in New York. After leading a similar to what you have sent. The
rather sickly childhood, he graduated from Harvard and entered public image certainly seems to be the same
service. He assumed the Presidency after the assassination of William as the Fraser plaque image but from the opposite side. It also has no
McKinley in 1901. He is still the youngest president to assume the signature or anything to authenticate or indicate its origin. However,
Presidency, at age 42. He served as President until 1909. He is known any Theodore Roosevelt memorabilia is highly collectible, so I would
for leading the Rough Riders up San Juan Hill during the Spanish- put its value in the $100-300 range.
American War and for brokering the end of the Russo-Japanese War in Thanks for reminding me how much I admire Theodore Roosevelt.
1905. For his efforts, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906. These quotes make me again realize why he’s my favorite President!
He is also considered one of America’s first conservationists. It is no
wonder, then, that TR was considered one of our 5 greatest presidents! Best,
His image is on Mt. Rushmore along with Washington, Jefferson, and Walker Haigh
Lincoln. Teddy Roosevelt died in 1919, after several years of declining Walker Haigh is an Honors Graduate and Certified Appraiser from
health. He was 61 years old. the Asheford Institute of Antiques, who holds degrees in both History
James Earle (JE) Fraser was an American sculptor in the 1st half of and Library Sciences from the University of North Carolina. She has
the 20th century. His early life was spent on the frontier and had been in the antiques business for over 25 years, and is co-owner of
much exposure to Native Americans. One of his most famous coin Parker & Haigh Estate Sales and Liquidations.

The Journal of Antiques & Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to provide our readers with professional appraisers to help you learn more about
and value your finds. Do you have questions about something you have acquired? We welcome your questions and photos. Send your information to editorial@journalo-
fantiques.com or mail to Journal of Antiques & Collectibles, PO Box 950, Sturbridge, MA 01566 attn: Appraisers Corner. To learn more about becoming a “certified”
antiques appraiser, visit www.asheford.com or contact the Admissions Office toll free at 877-444-4508.

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