Owner Comments:
Medal, 1860, WM, HEENAN-SAYERS BOXING BOUT, WORLD'S HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP, United States, New York (Bout fought in England), So Called Dollar, HK-10A White Metal, NGC MS61, Cert# 2113535-001, Tied for Finest, Rarity 7 (approximately 10-20 known to exist). This medal was struck to commemorate one of the greatest bare knuckles heavyweight championship fights ever recorded. John C. Heenan from America—The Benicia Boy—won the first clear claim to the American title and then journeyed to England to fight their champion Tom Sayers, a bricklayer by trade. The grand fight took place on April 17, 1860 and lasted over two hours, a 42 round "draw" after Sayers arm became injured. Medals were struck for both Heenan and Sayers, as champions of their respective countries. This specimen retains mirror surfaces and the strike is bold throughout. These were struck in New York upon Heenan's return after the great battle had come to a draw. Sayer retired from boxing after this endurance match. Obv. Raised male bust facing l.; above Thomas S. Sayers, the Champion of England; below bust, microscopic F. B. Smith & Hartmann N.Y. Rv. Within an open wreath The great / international / prize fight / between / Heenan & Sayers / for the / championship / of the world / fought / April 1860. Oh Yes, the Provenance: Ex ELIASBERG, Bowers and Marena, April 6, 1997, Lot 3044.