1783 Georgius Triumpho Token. Musante GW-54, Baker-7, Breen-1184. Copper. Early Die State. AU-55 (PCGS).

28.3 mm. 137.7 grains. Smooth and glossy medium chocolate brown surfaces are remarkably uniform and appealing. Only the most trivial marks are noted and the detail is quite superb. The latter feature has as much to do with the die state as with strike and preservation, perhaps even more so. This is one of the earliest die states we have seen for this type which is usually seen from broken and distorted dies that left areas of significant weakness from the moment of production. Careful study reveals only the faintest trace of the vertical failure in the left reverse field, seen as merely a slight, narrow bulge. We cataloged the Washington items mostly raw and now that this is in a PCGS holder, this die feature will likely be hard for some to detect through the plastic. There is no break through the basket, nor any of the usual sinking of the die. The head of the reverse figure is flat, but that is standard. A special example of this type worthy of a fine collection. Interpreting these designs is an ongoing debate. Traditionally, these have been taken to refer to the triumphant George Washington on the obverse, as the victor in the American Revolution, which is generally accepted. The reverse has long been described as Britannia in a cage of 13 bars, representing the 13 colonies, supported by France via fleurs-de-lis at the corners. Though Britain may have lost the War, in no manner does it seem to have been caged or imprisoned by the Colonies. As such, the more recent suggestion this may reflect a balloon basket lifting Liberty, with the aide of the French is a bit more appealing to the writer, and a lot more fun. As it happens, the first hot air balloon ride was in September 1783, the same month the Treaty of Paris brought the American Revolution to its official close. According to Musante, this historic ride was taken by a sheep, duck and rooster, but a manned flight occurred two months later.

From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex the Lawrence R. Stack Collection, November 2006.