1800 Hero of Freedom medal. Musante GW-81, Baker-79C. Copper, Fire Gilt. MS-62 (PCGS). 38.3 mm. 414.9 grains. Bright somewhat light yellow gold surfaces are fairly uniform with only the faintest losses of gilding on the highest points of the design, so faint in fact that one must look for it. Splits in the gilding are also noted along the tops of the letters of the legend, a common feature on such pieces that resulted from the stretching of the metal during the striking process that split and separated the gilt surface at these points of great stress. This is always a definitive indication that the surface was gilt prior to striking and is thus unquestionably original. Traces of original prooflike texture remain in the protected recesses while the more exposed areas appear a bit more matte-like due to the typical hairlines and marks from handling. A very well struck example with nice definition throughout the central details. A small circular lathe mark at the central reverse suggests that this is probably struck over a British cartwheel penny, but there are no other signs of the undertype. Not quite the equal of the E Pluribus Unum Collection example sold last November, but superior to both of the William Spohn Baker Collection examples in our November 2019 sale. <em>From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.</em><em></em>
