Undated (ca. 1777) Voltaire Medal. Musante GW-1, Baker-78B. Bronze. MS-64 BN (NGC). 40.5 mm. An immensely handsome specimen of this classic issue. Glossy deep mahogany-brown surfaces with considerable intermingling of olive patina. Roughness along the rims from 8 to 12 oclock on the obverse, 12 to 4 oclock on the reverse is as made, as is some light pitting in the center of the reverse and a tiny pit in the upper left obverse field. There are no marks or other blemishes of note, and the strike is sharply executed with crisp detail throughout the design. Evidence of double striking is present at the peripheral legends on both sides for those who care to search for it. Struck from a later die state with gentle buckling in the obverse, a small rim cud near 7 oclock and the frequently seen spalling at the central reverse, although the cud is partially obscured by the aforementioned roughness to the obverse rim.<p>Long considered the first Washington portrait medal, though the portrait is representative only and clearly not an attempt at Washingtons true visage, this medal is of prime importance for inclusion in any collection of Washingtoniana. This example is a pleasure to study and would be suitable for the finest of collections.
