As with the PCGS MS-66 BN example offered above, this piece was struck from original dies, as used on the unique gold specimen presented to Washington himself by the United States Congress. Classic Vs used to represent Us on the obverse, normal date MDCCLXXVI (1776) on the reverse with four hooves visible below Washingtons horse. Diagnostic die buckling is visible at the level of the soldiers heads on the reverse.All original Washington Before Boston medals are rare; Adams and Bentley report 52 specimens, but this number includes all varieties. The 1999 Rulau-Fuld Washingtoniana reference notes a population of just 20 to 30 examples of this particular variety. Recent auction records suggest that this estimate is a bit on the low side, with perhaps as many as 40 bronze originals extant, as noted in our cataloging for the preceding lot.This is a handsome specimen with a slightly mottled, chocolate brown finish overall. The obverse exhibits numerous tiny contact marks on the bust and in the field, a typical characteristic for early U.S. medals that were dispersed to a non-numismatic population. Later restrikes of this type were placed into cabinets (usually with gloved hands) after receipt from the Mint as medal collecting grew in popularity through the 19th century. The reverse also exhibits contact marks, especially in the field. A trace of light rub is confined to the high points of Washingtons hair, shoulder and his horses hindquarters on the reverse. Light tooling within the final word in the reverse legend and throughout the exergue is noted for accuracy. There are, however, no rim problems, which are the norm for all but the finest medals of this type. There is a tiny corrosion spot at the upper obverse border. All in all, this is a highly attractive Mint State example of a historically and numismatically significant medal that is destined for an advanced collection.,,,From the Eagle Hill Collection.