Washingtoniana
Circa 1875 Washington Monument published by Isaac F. Wood. First Reverse. Musante GW-833, Baker-321, HK-Unlisted, socalleddollar.com-223. Silver. Plain edge. MS-63 (PCGS).
39.6 mm. 408.5 grains. A very pleasing example of this very rare medal. Though a bit of light handling is visible under close inspection, the first impression is very nice. Satiny and slightly prooflike in the fields, with soft mottled toning over much of both sides. According to Woodward, writing the November 1878 sale of the Henry W. Holland collection, there were just 30 of these struck in silver. Based on our experience, the number might be smaller, as we have just two examples in our online archives covering about 15 years of sales. According to Musante, Frossard stated somewhere that just one was struck in silver, but that is clearly not the case. Either way, it is very rare and very desirable for its “so-called dollar” connection. Baker did not have this medal in silver.
PCGS# 826402.
From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.
Estimate: $1000