1800 Washington Funeral medal. Funeral Urn. Musante GW-70 (Dies 1-B), Baker-166A. Silver. AU-53 (PCGS).29.5 mm. 138.8 grains. Pierced for suspension at 12:00, as typical. A second example of this prized medal in silver, this showing evidence of a bit more handling, yet still remarkably sharp save for the often seen softness at the upper area of the urn. The obverse is mottled with dark bluish gray toning intermingled with fairly light gray silver. The reverse is lighter overall, with gentle golden brown and blue iridescence. A good bit of reflectivity remains on both sides, with more on the reverse. Some light handling marks, hairlines and small nicks are noted, while a couple of thin scratches are seen on the reverse. It is quite a bit nicer than most seen. It is a most satisfying example of this immensely popular medal, one of a class “perhaps the most valued of all the earlier Washington pieces,” to use Baker’s own words. He continued, “The time and purpose of their issue and their legends, give to each an interest beyond all others.”Ex William Spohn Baker Collection, to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania by bequest, November 15, 1897.
