1808 Washington Benevolent Society medal. Musante GW-94, Baker-327, Julian RF-23. Silver. AU-55 (PCGS).42.3 mm (without the hanger). 514.2 grains. The original integral hanger is intact, though slightly bent inward on each side. Still, these are rarely seen complete and even collections focused on quality frequently have this medal without a hanger (as was the case in Lucien LaRiviere’s cabinet). The surfaces are attractively toned deep silver gray with soft gold, brown, blue and green iridescence mottled across both sides. Numerous tiny scratches and other evidence of handling are consistent with a worn medal. The reverse exhibits a few tiny nicks and voids; a couple of the latter appear to be <em>as made</em>. Hints of the original prooflike texture are noted when the medal is turned in the light and the integrity of the rims is quite good. Really a very nice example of this elegantly rendered medal by John Reich. The Baker number is on the edge in red, right next to a prominent collaring mark. This one is the plate piece in Neil Musante’s reference.Ex William Spohn Baker Collection, to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania by bequest, November 15, 1897.
