Circa 1800 Westwood Medal. Second Reverse. Musante GW-83, Baker-80A. Copper, Bronzed. MS-63 (PCGS). 40.5 mm. 556.0 grains. A lovely specimen featuring deep mahogany brown surfaces that are glossy on the motifs and gently prooflike in the fields. Traces of soft blue and violet iridescence are noted in the obverse fields, adding to aesthetic appeal. Some natural surface grime and just a few minor handling marks are noted. A couple of small obverse spots are mentioned for accuracy, but don’t appear threatening. Beautifully struck in high relief, as always seen, these having benefitted from great care in their production. A classic early Washington memorial medal, and the second of the two variants struck. The order given by Neil Musante is correct based on die state study, though it reverses the supposition made by William Spohn Baker in 1885 and followed by Rulau and Fuld in 1999. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Purchased at the Wilmington Coin Show, March 1998.
