1800 Hero of Freedom Medal. Musante GW-81, Baker-79B. Copper. MS-62 BN (PCGS).

38.3 mm. 419.8 grains. Pleasing mahogany surfaces with some slightly deeper patina in the recesses and highlights of olive on the reliefs. Glossy and quite lovely overall. Slight softness at the highest point of Washington's hair relief and at the corresponding point of the central reverse, as frequently seen. While there is no obvious evidence of an undertype, the small lathe mark at the central reverse suggests that this was probably struck over another coin, likely a 1797 British penny. It is the opinion of the writer that most if not all the Hero of Freedom medals were struck over this host, but a medal like this is the type that would have been traditionally identified as Baker-79B, and not over a host coin.

From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.

Estimate: $ 1350