1797 Halliday Medal. Bronze. 54 mm. Musante GW-57, Baker-70C. MS-64 (PCGS).This wonderfully original piece exhibits swirls and streaks of olive-gray patina to otherwise autumn-brown surfaces. The texture is smooth and satiny, the strike well executed with sharp to full definition throughout the design. Impressive and desirable Choice Mint State quality for this classic early Washingtoniana type.<p>The dies for this type were prepared by Thomas Halliday of Birmingham, England. Baker cites this medal in particular as the most important of the Washington pieces in his "Military and Civil Career" category, for both historic and artistic reasons. The reverse inscription COMMISSION RESIGNED: PRESIDENCY RELINQUISHED was revolutionary for the time. The concept of a sitting head of state peacefully stepping down and handing over control of a government to an elected successor was mesmerizing to the growing anti-monarchical feelings prevalent in Western Europe during the early years of the 19th century.From the Ralph A. Edson Collection.
