Washington Before Boston medal. Fifth Paris Mint issue ( 1880). First Issued Obverse (In Repaired State) / Third Issued Reverse(In Repaired State). Musante GW-09-P4, Baker-Unlisted. Cornucopia and 1ARGENTon edge. Silver. Choice Extremely Fine.<p>68.5 mm, 2305.6 grains. Deeply toned virtually slate gray on the obverse, while the reverse is a bit lighter and mottled with faint brown and light gray. The dark patina seems to have been applied over the finely matte surfaces, as close inspection reveals it to be flaked in places. Some gentle handling and old hairlines but no serious marks are noted. Another slight advancement of the die state for this Paris Mint issue, with breaks now connecting both H and O of HOSTIBUS to the rim. Accounts vary as to the meaning of the numeral “1” before ARGENT in the edge mark. One source states that it was used after WWI to indicate fineness (sterling, in this case), while another states that it indicates .835 fineness and was used in the early 20th-century.<p>From the Collection of Marc McDonald. Earlier ex Shane Daniels, October 2006.<p>