1797 Halliday Medal. Bronze. 54 mm. Musante GW-57, Baker-70C. MS-63 (PCGS).This very attractive and completely original piece presents choice dark mahogany surfaces with the devices and legends highlighted by lighter tones approaching brick red. Smooth, satiny surfaces coupled with a surprisingly bold strike combine to make this a very impressive specimen. Most desirable Choice Mint State quality for this classic and rare early George Washington medal.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 mood prevalent in Western Europe during the early years of the 19th century.
