Lot 1433
"1789" George Washington of Virginia gold medal. Baker-64, Unique. Restrike NGC Proof 64. Struck in 1883. Plain edge. 2.30 ounce, 34.3 mm. Extremely sharp details on the impressive high relief portrait of George Washington. An absolute masterpiece with stunning contrast between the semi prooflike fields and frosty devices. A clear trace of double striking shows the efforts to attain the complete beauty of the design. This heavy medal bears extraordinary thickness of about 4.5 mm. Even some minor marks and frictions notable due to handling of decades, this solo gold strike from the original dies is still a gorgeous gem. Pop 1; Just recently graded by NGC .
The dies from which this medal was struck were originally prepared around 1860 by Selig Baumgarten. The only 3 original medals were struck in 1860, one of each in copper, brass, and lead.
A dentist and sideline coin dealer in Baltimore called Dr. George Massamore acquired the original dies in 1882, and a total of 64 restrike medals were produced in 1883, 21 each in silver, copper, and brass. T. Harrison Garrett, a client of Massamore's, learnt of the restriking and ordered one more restrike in gold, which is the presented piece.
Estimated Value $9,500-UP.
Ex Bowers Sale of the Garrett Collection, Part IV, March 1981, Lot 1756; Stack's Sale of the Gilbert Steinberg Collection, May 1992, Lot 23; Stack's Sale of March 1993, Lot 2011; Mr. LaRiviere Collection.
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| Realized $15,275 |
