1800 Hero of Freedom medal. Musante GW-81, Baker-79C. Copper, Fire Gilt. MS-61 (PCGS).38.4 mm. 420.0 grains. Light golden surfaces with the usual hairlines in the prooflike fields and a bit more handling than seen on the example above. Here, the gilding is lost on the highest points of the design on both sides, and along portions of the rim. Still, it is far more intact than some seen, as there are a few pieces extant that seem to have served long-term as pocket pieces and have lost nearly all of their gilding as a result. This is a more than respectable example of this rare and visually striking format, and is quite attractive overall. Remnants of pre-striking filing is noted on the reverse rims, similar to the copper specimen offered above.Ex William Spohn Baker Collection, to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania by bequest, November 15, 1897.
