"1799" (ca. 1800) Victor Sine Clade Medal. Musante GW-76, Baker-164.

"1799" (ca. 1800) Victor Sine Clade Medal. Musante GW-76, Baker-164. White Metal. EF Details--Tooled (PCGS). 56.0 mm. Pierced for suspension just past 12 o'clock, the hole broken through, obviously in response to this piece having been well used. A rather pleasing example of this rare and historic medal. As usually seen, the surfaces exhibit areas of pesting, but to a far lesser extent than typical, and most noticeable at the right obverse border and on the reverse at and below the base of the pedestal. The rims are uncommonly smooth with no major blemishes, surfaces with numerous small scratches and marks scattered about that include a pin scratch meandering through the upper date in the exergual area on the reverse. Most of these marks are of a type that are oddly common on examples of this medal. It is clear from study of nearly all of the known survivors that these medals were well used, but it is unclear how precisely they were used. It seems to have been an issue with a purpose beyond a symbol of Washington's passing. What is less common is the overall sharpness seen here, with the fine sunburst detail over Washington's head being clearly defined. Where the surfaces are not pested, they have good integrity and the eye appeal overall is well above the median example. As reported by Neil Musante, this medal, designed and struck in Newburyport, Massachusetts, was advertised for sale in the Massachusetts Mercury on February 11, 1800, perhaps intentionally corresponding to the Masonic funeral procession for Washington in Boston on that day. With the notice written to appeal to Masons specifically, beginning with "A National and Masonic Medal…," and with sentiments running favorably during such a day of mourning, it might well have seemed the ideal day to announce such a medal. However, though the medals were made available in eight locations specified in the notice, it seems that precious few were sold, as the medal is very rare today. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.

Estimate:£0.74

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