1805 Eccleston Medal GW-88 Bronze NGC MS63 BN Washington

Undated (1805) Washington Eccleston Medal. Bronzed Copper. 76 mm. By Thomas Webb, for Daniel Eccleston. Musante GW-88, Baker-85. MS-63 BN (NGC). The devices are sharp, and both sides present deep reddish-copper patina with hints of reflectivity to an otherwise satin texture. A few minor contact marks are noted on both sides. These large and impressive medals were struck on cast planchets and, while casting pits are always present on survivors, none on this piece are distracting. Indeed, the overall appearance of this medal is outstanding with just one tiny edge nick on the reverse noted for accuracy. For many years this has been one of the most popular and desired pieces in the Washington series. It is one of the most elaborately engraved as well. Washington's portrait by English engraver Thomas Webb is exceptional, and his draped breastplate of armor is finely appointed. The depiction of Washington in this attire is a powerful sentimental statement, and the legends are supportive. However, at the reverse center a Native American dejectedly stands, surrounded by THIS LAND WAS OURS, a simple statement that acknowledges those who would stand to lose the most as the "innumerable millions yet unborn" would "venerate the memory of the man who obtained their country's freedom." It is interesting that the Native American figure is nearly an identical copy of that seen on the reverse of the 1775 William Penn Deeds of Peace medal, Betts-531. It is as if the Eccleston medal is, in part, a response to that medal, illustrating a stark contrast in the perceived British treatment of the Native American peoples to that which the Americans would levy now that Washington had set them free to carry on as they pleased, without the direction of the Motherland. By Eccleston's own account, he spent time in America in the late 18th century and was Washington's guest at Mount Vernon. After Washington's death, Eccleston expressed his "admiration" in a most curious way. He commissioned Thomas Webb (active circa 1804-1827) to cut the dies for the medal here offered. Check out all the great US Coins, Paper Money, Ancients, World and Exonumia at Sarasota Numismatics. We are happy to answer any questions about this or anything in our vast inventory.