1808 Washington Benevolent Society Medal. Silver. 42.3 mm (excluding hanger). 27.45 grams. Musante GW-94, Baker-327, Julian RF-23. Very Fine. A very early product of John Reich at the first U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, issued by the newly formed Washington Benevolent Society in opposition to the growing influence of the Alexander Hamilton-inspired Tammany Society. Seldom seen in any format, this specimen is especially desirable as it retains the original pivoting suspension loop -- a feature which, Musante notes, is not typical. Mottled pearl and silver-gray patina with a few small edge distractions. On close examination some light planchet pitting is detectable in the reverse field. Although this medal was produced for a New York branch of the Society, Robert Julian notes that by the time this medal was issued, there were branches operating in other cities, as well.
