1836 First Steam Coinage Medal. Original Feb. 22 Date. Julian MT-20. Copper. VG-10 BN (NGC). 28 mm. Most devices are at least partially outlined, although there is mentionable softness in the center of the reverse and along the upper right border on that side. Both sides with dominant deep copper patina with some ancient surface build up within the obverse rays and engaging some of the letters on the reverse. A dull mark at lower right reverse is noted. This U.S. Mint rarity was struck as a sample from the original Feb. 22 die (set to coincide with Washingtons birthday) before mechanical problems with the new steam press forced the postponement of its inauguration ceremony to March 23. The die was recut to read March 23 to adjust for the change, with all later pieces bearing the new date. The few known pieces with the original date are typically worn and/or impaired, perhaps because with the date change they had no real purpose, and since they were struck on large cent planchets were tempting to spend, fitting in among the Hard Times tokens in everyday circulation at the time.
