"1776" (ca. 1873-1885) Washington Before Boston Medal. First U.S.

"1776" (ca. 1873-1885) Washington Before Boston Medal. First U.S. Mint Issue. Gunmetal Dies. Musante GW-09-US1, Baker-49, Julian MI-1. Bronze. MS-64 BN (NGC). 69.0 mm. Beautiful reddish-orange brown surfaces are glossy with a nice, hard, frosty texture to the finish. A few faint spots are scattered about, mostly notably in the upper reverse field area and at the lower right obverse border, after the word LIBERTATIS. There are no other blemishes of note and, in fact, this piece is uncommonly attractive for a type that is often seen with very dark bronze patinas. An earlier strike from these dies which crumbled early between the reverse legend and rim. This is seen on this medal, but it is not nearly as extensive as seen on other examples. Further, the surface texture shows many fine finishing line and other subtle artifacts indicative of fairly fresh die surfaces. Provenance: From the Henry Mitchell Collection. Purchased from Presidential Coin and Antique Co., Inc., December 2004. Click here for certification details from NGC.

Estimate:£0.74

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