Circa 1860 U.S. Mint Washington Cabinet medal. Musante GW-241, Baker-326A, Julian MT-23. Copper, Bronzed. SP-65 (PCGS).59.5 mm. A lovely specimen with light chestnut brown surfaces, rims that are still sharp to the touch and slight reflectivity in the fields. One small nick is noted right of Washington’s portrait, but otherwise this is an excellent example. Something on the order of 200 pieces were produced over a span of more than four decades, these all appearing “old” today, while further pieces were produced later with more modern finishes. As might be expected of the earlier pieces, die states do exist and this particular medal is an early one. The most obvious feature pointing to this is the strength of Paquet’s signature beneath Washington’s truncation. A beautifully rendered medal celebrating completion of James Ross Snowden’s <em>Washington Cabinet</em> of medals.Ex William Spohn Baker Collection, to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania by bequest, November 15, 1897.
