(Ca. 1777) Washington Voltaire Medal. Betts-544, Musante GW-1. Copper, 40 mm. MS-63 BN (PCGS).

607.5 grains. A stout example struck on the heaviest planchet we have recorded. Musante lists a weight for copper specimens of 351 grains, and our database includes examples at 307.3, 365.1, 372.8, and 419.8 grains. This example, nearly twice as heavy, was described by Mr. Margolis as an "extremely rare variant on a thick flan." He noted that he had recorded only one other, sold in Glendining's sale of June 1990, lot 696. The principal manifestation of the thick planchet is an exceptional strike, with the often mushy portions of the central reverse design all boldly delineated and fully realized here. Both sides are glossy chocolate brown with no notable flaws. This is a special and especially pretty example of the first medal struck to honor George Washington. For the Wedgwood portrait medallions this medal inspired, see the Margolis Collection of Portrait Medallions elsewhere in this sale.

From the Richard Margolis Collection. Earlier from Presidential Coin and Antique Company (Joe Levine) at the Greater New York (AINA) Convention, May 1991.

Estimate: $5000