Exonumia, 1862, Equestrian Washington; Born, President, Died, Medal, MS64 , NGC

Exonumia, 1862-Medal, MS64, Equestrian Washington; Born, President, Died, GW-547 (Silver), NGC.

An exceptionally rare Washingtonia medal by the celebrated Philadelphia die sinker Robert Lovett Jr.. Struck in 1862 as part of Lovett’s extensive Washington medal series, this handsome equestrian issue was produced in minuscule quantities across several metals, with contemporary references suggesting a mintage of only 10 pieces in silver and approximately 25 pieces each in brass, copper, and white metal. These medals were recognized as desirable numismatic delicacies almost immediately upon issue, appearing in the Woodward Auction of November 11, 1862 only months after production as lot 1819.

Silver strikings are of the utmost rarity. We are able to trace only three appearances at major public auction through Stack's Bowers Galleries and Heritage Auctions in recent decades, suggesting that perhaps only six to eight specimens survive today. As such, this issue ranks among the rarest and most elusive of Lovett’s Washington medals, seldom encountered even in advanced Washingtonia collections.

The present example is particularly handsome, displaying rich gunmetal-gray toning over deeply reflective fields with delicate blue iridescence gathered about the legends. Both historically important and visually compelling, it represents an outstanding opportunity for the advanced Washingtonia specialist or the collector of finely executed nineteenth century American medallic art.