1776 (ca. 1890-1910) Washington Before Boston Medal. Second U.S. Mint Issue. Musante GW-09-US2, Baker-49B, Julian MI-1. Bronze. MS-67 BN (NGC). 68.5 mm. A breathtaking example of this perennially popular type, semi-reflective surfaces are smooth as glass and truly remarkable to behold. Both sides are toned in rich autumn-brown with subtle olive undertones evident as the medal rotates under a light. This is Charles Barbers work, using an electrotype original to hub the central motifs and a U.S. Mint punchset to place the legends. Musante reports a mintage of 167 pieces between the creation of these dies in September 1885 and the end of standard record keeping in 1904. The Rulau-Fuld contention that "only 4 [are] known" is fiction or a gross error. These are scarce, even so, and are particularly elusive in such lovely condition as seen here. Matte surface strikes from these dies continued well into the 20th century; they are neither rare nor attractive, and should not be confused with the type offered here. From the Midnight Collection.
