Undated (ca. 1856) Eight Presidents Medal without Signature. Restrike. Musante GW-153R, Baker-221D. Silvered White Metal. AU-55 (NGC). 46.5 mm. A particularly desirable example of this restrike issue, silvered white metal impressions are not listed in the Musante reference on Washingtoniana. The silvering has toned nicely and originally in a bold blend of steel-olive and pewter gray, a few splashes of rose-russet also evident on both sides. The silvering has flaked away near the center of the obverse, before Washingtons bust, revealing the underlying white metal. Light high point rub and a couple of inconspicuous handling marks do little more than define the Choice AU grade assigned by NGC. Both dies have been heavily reground, with loss of detail seen in the presidential portraits, mostly where the recesses of their bust details fade unnaturally away into the fields. The inscription W.H. BRIDGENS / NEW. YORK. has been ground off the reverse die, as is the case on all of the circa 1856 restrikes. These are seen in both bronzed copper and white metal, the latter being the more frequently encountered. The white metal examples are poorly made in comparison to the originals, although the present example presents uncommonly well due to the silvering and its associated toning. Sure to see spirited bidding among advanced Washingtoniana enthusiasts.
