Undated (ca. 1777) Voltaire Medal. Musante GW-1, Baker-78B. Copper. MS-64 BN (PCGS).

40.0 mm. 331.8 grains. An immensely handsome specimen of this classic issue. Glossy deep chocolate and olive brown surfaces are gently mottled with tones of mahogany on both sides. Aside from a small nick behind the nose, only the most trivial handling is evident, and one must look for it. The usually irregular rims are full, and though the typical double striking is visible on the reverse, the legends are still rather well expressed. Struck from a later die state with gentle buckling in the obverse, a small rim cud near 7 o'clock and the frequently seen spalling at the central reverse. Long considered the first Washington portrait medal, though the portrait is representative only and clearly not an attempt at Washington's 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.

From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.

Estimate: $ 3000