Exonumia, 1862, Washington Birth & Death, Medald, CH. BU

Exonumia, 1862-Medald, CH. BU, Washington Birth & Death, GW-445.

For such a small medal, this piece carries a remarkable amount of baggage. Medallic Washington cataloger R.W. Julian, in his study of United States Mint medals, states that this particular variety, bearing only a “P” on the bust truncation rather than the more familiar “A.P.,” was struck outside of the Mint. Medallic Washington, however, makes no such distinction and attributes both dies and manufacture to the United States Mint in Philadelphia. Whatever the ultimate truth of its origin, it is clear these charming little medals were produced in limited quantities from 1862 through roughly the mid-1870s, with perhaps only 2,000 to 2,500 struck in silver.

The present example is especially handsome. Deep charcoal toning blankets the surfaces, though strong underlying reflectivity remains readily visible beneath the patina. Washington’s portrait is rendered in unusually high relief, a feature made all the more impressive by the medal’s diminutive size, scarcely larger than a dime. It is a delightful little Washingtoniana piece that combines scholarly intrigue with considerable visual charm.