Undated (ca. 1801?) Washington Success token. Large size. Baker-265, Musante GW-41, W-10900. MS-64 (PCGS).72.1 grains. Reeded edge. One of the finest known survivors of this issue, with bold luster and full silvering on both sides. Golden toning dominates, with mixed silver gray in areas. The heavy obverse die crack is present, entering through the crown of the portrait, then crossing the nose on the way to the rim at NG of WASHINGTON. The central reverse is a bit soft, as always seen, but even dedicated effort finds no notable flaws. Neil Musante makes a case for these being dated to about 1801, when Philadelphia merchant Thomas Passmore offered “3000 medals [with a] striking likeness of general Washington.” Neither the 1790s nor 1820s made much sense in terms of the workmanship and general texture of these; 1801 does. A magnificent specimen suitable for the finest cabinet.PCGS Population: 1, none finer.From the Archangel Collection. Earlier, from Stack’s, privately, February 1982.
