1805 Eccleston Medal. Musante GW-88, Baker-85. Copper. MS-62 (PCGS).
76.0 mm. 2023.1 grains. Mottled deep mahogany and chocolate brown with blushes of faded tan. One tiny rose patina break is noted on the highest hair curl. Scattered fine porosity on both sides is a feature of the original cast planchet that simply did not strike out smooth, a common feature on Eccleston medals. Well struck nevertheless, also a typical feature of these thoughtfully made medals as it was no small feat to get the robust relief to strike up fully while avoiding weakness through the reverse elements. When Edward Cogan's 1869 sale of the Mortimer MacKenzie Collection appeared in collectors' hands, readers were treated to the first plated numismatic auction catalog in the United States. The first plate included five medals, all Washington pieces, with an Eccleston medal strikingly at the immediate center. For its size, fine styling and age, the Eccleston medal has long been among the most prized of the Washington medals, and many are well-handled suggesting an issue that was somewhat widely dispersed and frequently shown off. Indeed, the Syd Martin specimen was noted to have been discovered in South Africa, and many survivors are quite rough from handling. Though they may have seen wide distribution, some were intended for medal collectors of high station. Among the earliest recipients was Thomas Jefferson, who received one personally from Daniel Eccleston. His was a fire gilt version and remains at Monticello today.
From the Richard August Collection.

Estimate: $1500