"1799" (ca. 1800) Washington Funeral Urn Medal. Musante GW-70, Baker-166A, Fuld Dies 1-B. Silver. AU-55 (PCGS).
29.6 mm. 153.7 grains. Neatly pierced for suspension at 12 o'clock. An exceptional survivor from this prized and immensely historic series. Mostly brilliant silver surfaces with blushes of golden champagne toning and lesser accents of blue and russet toward the rims. Prooflike reflectivity is unmistakable on both sides, giving this piece an unusually lively appearance. Sharply detailed with only minor handling marks. It would be difficult indeed to improve on the eye appeal of this example. The short window of time between Washington's passing, on December 14th, and the first of the numerous funeral processions introduces a degree of wonderment that Newburyport, Massachusetts engraver Jacob Perkins could accomplish so much engraving and striking in time for the events for which these medals were produced. While Washington died on the 14th, the news of the day did not travel quickly, and yet, Perkins was advertising the medals for sale as early as January 3. With at least 14 dies having been individually hand-made, he must have devoted every waking hour to these issues from the time he learned the news to the time of their sale and distribution.
From the Richard August Collection.

Estimate: $12000