Undated (ca. 1856) Eight Presidents Medal without Signature. Restrike. Musante GW-153R, Baker-221D. White Metal. MS-63 (NGC). 46 mm. A particularly well preserved example of this restrike issue, untoned surfaces exhibit a bright pewter-gray appearance. The fields areas are modestly semi-reflective, the design elements satiny in texture. 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 its superior preservation and eye appeal. Sure to see spirited bidding among advanced Washingtoniana enthusiasts.
