1976 Int'l Society of Postmasters Silvestro Lega Birth 150th anniv. Silver Medal

1976 ITALY – 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF SILVESTRO LEGA
Sterling Silver Proof Medal – Official First Day Cover – Franklin Mint
International Society of Postmasters – Limited Edition

Up for sale is the exact item shown in the photos – a beautiful and historically significant sterling silver proof medal issued in 1976 by the International Society of Postmasters, minted by The Franklin Mint, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Italian painter Silvestro Lega (1826–1895).

This commemorative set includes a silver medal and a L.170 stamp, both officially issued and postmarked on December 7, 1976, in Rome, Italy.

🔹 Features:

• Obverse: A finely detailed high-relief portrait of Silvestro Lega, taken from his own self-portrait.

• Reverse: Commemorative text (English & French) marking the 150th anniversary of Lega's birth.

• Stamp: Italian 170 Lire commemorative issue featuring "The Visit", painted by Silvestro Lega around 1868. This stamp was officially issued by Italy to mark the occasion.

• Postmark: First Day cancellation dated 7–12–1976 from Modigliana, Lega’s birthplace, featuring a bust of the artist along with a painter’s palette and brushes.

• Condition: Proof strike – ultra sharp and mirror-like finish, housed in original presentation folder with bilingual certificate of authenticity and full historical insert.

🔍 Background:

Silvestro Lega was a leading figure in 19th-century Italian art and a key member of the Macchiaioli movement, the Italian counterpart to French Impressionism. Though his later life was marked by personal loss and illness, he continued to produce masterful works such as “The Evil Woman” and “The Rose Shawl”.

This commemorative issue was sculpted by Debbie Bell and minted by The Franklin Mint, capturing the dignity and influence of one of Italy’s most revered realist painters.

🏅 Specifications:

• Metal: Sterling Silver (.925)

• Weight: Approx. 20 grams

• Diameter: Approx. 39 mm

• Minted by: The Franklin Mint (USA)

🎯 Perfect for collectors interested in:

• Italian art and culture

• Silvestro Lega and the Macchiaioli movement

• 19th-century European realism

• Historic stamps and medallic art

• Franklin Mint and International Society of Postmasters collectibles

📦 Ships securely with tracking.
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