1789 (ca. 1792) Washington Born Virginia Copper. Legend Reverse. Musante GW-33, Baker-60, W-10730. Second Reverse. Copper. Plain Edge. AU-58 (PCGS).30.5 mm. 167.3 grains. Handsome olive-brown over most of both sides with subtle tan mottling in places and inviting outlines of faded red through the legends and close to the bust. A few minor marks are noted, as is a very thin, almost forgivable scratch across the central obverse. Glossy throughout and beautifully struck on both sides, with fully expressed legends and excellent centering. Two of the reverse letters are against the rims, but without losses.<p>Among the somewhat scarcer <em>Guide Book</em> types and one that is almost always seen in grades below VF, with the central reverse so weak that much of the legend is often smooth or close to it. In contrast, a small group of superb Mint State examples survives, but are out of reach to most collectors due to their very high price points. Very little is to be found in the middle ground of quality between these two extremes; this is among the nicer examples fitting that category we have seen. These were clearly placed into circulation, as evidenced by the commonly seen degree of wear. Were this primarily intended as a commemorative medal, more of the known pieces would be Mint State or very high grade, but only a handful can be considered so fine. Further setting these apart from other <em>Guide Book</em> types is the significant historic fact that these are American-made, not English, engraved and struck by Jacob Perkins in Newburyport, Massachusetts.From the Richard August Collection.
