1808 Washington Benevolent Society Medal. By John Reich. Musante GW-94, Baker-327, Julian RF-23. Silver. AU-53 (PCGS).

42.4 mm (without the hanger). 429.0 grains. Lovely medium gray silver with accents of gentle blue and green in the peripheral recesses. A few ancient and light scratches and marks are noted, including a couple of tiny rim nicks. These are all typical of a medal intended to be suspended and worn, but there is no serious damage. The presence of the original and apparently fragile hanger is testament to a degree of care taken with this piece from the beginning. Clearly double struck which has resulted in some weak or distorted features, but again, this is not unusual for the issue. An all around pleasing example of this historic and prized medallic issue from the early U.S. Mint, struck from dies cut by John Reich.

From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.

Estimate: $ 2000