Washington Before Boston medal. Fourth Paris Mint issue(prior to late 1841). First Issued “Original” Obverse / Third Issued Reverse. Musante GW-09-P3, Baker-48, var. Bronze. Plain Edge. Choice About Uncirculated. <p>68.6 mm, 2633.4 grains. Deep olive and medium chocolate brown with gently mottled fields and traces of mahogany patina in places. In the reverse field soft blue and gold accents are noted. Glossy throughout and quite handsome in spite of tiny scattered marks and one speck of green verdigris on one of the officer’s hats on the reverse. The obverse is that used to strike the originals circa 1789, in a slightly later state than seen when paired with the error reverse and corrected reverse variants above. A subtle trace of the original reflective character remains, however. The various reverse dies employed did not fare as well in the long span of years that this famous medal was produced, and this one is a new replacement, representing the fourth variant issued by the Paris Mint. There is a bit more prooflike character in the reverse field. This copy die is superbly made, though it is perhaps best known for the omission of one horse hoof beneath the belly of Washingtons own steed, which was clearly present on the earlier versions of the reverse. Very rare and, considering that there is no edge mark from the Paris Mint, we can date this specimen to before October 22, 1841, after which date edge marks were added to all medals at Paris.From the Collection of Marc McDonald. Earlier ex John W. Adams Collection (acquired December 1968 from an unidentified source),via John Kraljevich, circa 2013.
