1799 (ca. 1800) Victor Sine Clade Medal. Musante GW-76, Baker-164. White Metal. Fine-15 (PCGS). 56 mm. Pierced for suspension at 12 oclock. An evenly and originally toned example in pewter-gray that shows obvious signs of wear, apart from the aforementioned piercing. There is a semi-circular abrasion around the hole on the obverse, light graffiti is present along the lower border on that side, and the letters LIP (PHILIP?) have been stamped vertically on Washingtons head. In addition to numerous light and moderate marks, both sides exhibit traces of tin pest in the protected areas around some of the design elements, as well as several edge nicks and bruises, the most significant of which is just past 3 oclock on the reverse. Wear is consistent with the assigned grade, but all major design elements are discernible.<p>As reported by Neil Musante, this medal, designed and struck in Newburyport, Massachusetts, was advertised for sale in the <em>Massachusetts Mercury</em> on February 11, 1800, perhaps intentionally corresponding to the Masonic funeral procession for Washington in Boston on that day. With the notice written to appeal to Masons specifically, beginning with "A National and Masonic Medal…," and with sentiments running favorably during such a day of mourning, it might well have seemed the ideal day to announce such a medal. However, though the medals were made available in eight locations specified in the notice, it seems that precious few were sold, as the medal is very rare today. We have seen two or three examples with initials cut into the lower obverse, in identical style, such that they must have been done by the same hand. Perhaps one of the sellers had the idea to offer this crude personalization at the point of sale. In addition to the present example, the one that appeared in our October 2018 sale bears these engravings, directly tying them to a single place and time.<p>The few survivors tend to be either roughly handled, as here, or very nice, the latter being almost never available. Although the present example is considerably worn, the one at Mount Vernon is perhaps the roughest we have seen. LaRivieres was very pleasing and not holed, while the PCGS EF-45 in our November 2019 sale of the William Spohn Baker Collection is perhaps ideally preserved for one of these -- pierced for suspension and probably worn at one or more of the memorial celebrations, and yet apparently put away shortly thereafter. This piece, although more roughly handled, is historically significant for also having been worn, probably on numerous occasions, and it also sports an impressive provenance. A rare and exciting offering for advanced Washingtoniana collectors. From Pine Tree Auctions Altman-Haffner Sale, April 1975, lot 762A; our (Stacks) sale of the Gilbert Steinberg Collection, May 1992, lot 81.
