Circa 1800 Westwood medal. Second reverse. Musante GW-83, Baker-80. White Metal. MS-61 (PCGS).40.6 mm. 486.2 grains. Light pewter gray on the obverse with nuances of greenish gold in the fields. Glossy and smooth upon first inspection with a light scattering of tiny pesting specks visible under magnification. A couple of tiny rim marks and faint old scratches in the field. The reverse is similar gray, but with more of the greenish gold toning through the fields and scattered flecks of soft green deposits. This golden patina has been noted on other specimens and might be the remnant of something lightly applied by the maker. Curious light nicks on the edge do not affect the eye appeal from either side.<p>This is the earliest state of the dies seen amongst the three examples offered here. In fact, the obverse state is virtually identical to that seen on the GW-82 offered above, and the three white metal pieces in Ford also appear to be early states. As such, we suspect that the white metal examples might have been trials rather than pieces intended for sale, which would explain their considerable rarity. Similarly, the lone white metal example of GW-82 in the Ford sale does not appear to have the die break across the bust, nor the break amongst the arrows on the reverse, indicating that it too was the earliest state of its die pairing.<p>A sharp and rather handsome example in this rare composition. Of this variety, Baker noted "one or two specimens are known in tin," and this was the "one" he was likely referring to.Ex William Spohn Baker Collection, to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania by bequest, November 15, 1897.
