C. 1777 Washington Voltaire Medal. Bronze. 40.0 mm. Musante GW-1. Baker-78B. Betts-544. MS-64BN (PCGS).,Beautiful deep tan and olive brown with faded orange and gold undertones on the obverse that are the last vestiges of the original color, a feature rarely seen on this medal. Both sides exhibit subtle steel mottling and the reverse is a bit more deeply toned overall. Nice luster and beautifully struck with crisp detail throughout. Clear evidence of double striking on the obverse. A bit of spalling is seen at the central reverse, as typical for the issue, and the rims are rough in places which is also a common feature of the bronze Voltaire medals. One of the finest examples we have seen in some time, perhaps since the Choice Uncirculated example we sold in Ford, Part II, in 2004. <p>This is considered the first Washington portrait medal, a piece that inaugurated what would become a vast array of medals and tokens struck in honor of George Washington. By the 1850s, enough different types had been produced that collecting them had become very much in vogue, with prized specimens bringing extraordinary sums for the time, especially when compared to contemporary sales of classic American rarities such as 1792 half dismes, and the like. Though it may be the first portrait medal, the source of this portrait is unknown and it certainly bears little resemblance to George Washington. Almost certainly, medalists in England or France, the most likely countries of origin for this medal, had not seen good depictions of General Washington as of 1777, so the portrait was designed in the style of a classical figure, that of Roman senator. <p>Donated by Stanley DeForest Scott to benefit the endowment campaign for the Executive Director position at the American Numismatic Society.