1805 Eccleston Medal. Musante GW-88, Baker-85. Bronze. About Uncirculated.76 mm. A pleasing example of this large and impressive Washington medallic type. Dark brown patina with intermingled lighter rose and autumn-brown shades that find greater expression on the reverse. The surfaces have a desirable glossy texture with faint traces of reflectivity evident in the fields when viewed at direct lighting angles. Struck on a cast flan as usual, with traces of light porosity through the central reverse that did not strike out fully. This is a characteristic common to Eccleston medals. While the dies were masterfully engraved by Thomas Webb, the equipment they were struck on must not have had the power to smooth out the large cast flans completely. There are a couple of small nicks and very minor scuffs, especially in the expansive obverse and central reverse field areas, but the surfaces largely exhibit only light, even wear to the high points. A classic early Washington medal and a type that we know was presented directly to President Thomas Jefferson, as his example remains at Monticello to this day.

Estimate: $1200