1883 George Washington of Virginia Medal. Massamore Restrike. Musante GW-352R, Baker-64C. Brass. MS-63 (PCGS). 34 mm. 35.6 grams. Light blue and rose iridescence highlights the otherwise golden-olive brass surfaces. Somewhat lighter gold remains close to the rims on both sides. Nicely struck on a very thick flan, as typical, with pleasing prooflike reflectivity on both sides. A classic Washington issue born of an elaborate fraud. The dies were produced with the intent of fooling a few prominent collectors with fabricated "old" and rare medals. The dies later came into the hands of dealer George Massamore, who had a series of restrikes made in January 1883. These included 21 examples in each of three metals, silver, brass, and copper, with a single gold impression made for T. Harrison Garrett. Though a few have traded hands recently, they are quite rare, as the small original mintage suggests. From our ANA Sale of August 2016, lot 1031.
