1778 Washington Voltaire medal Choice MS
Sonorandesertrat
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1778 Washington Voltaire medal, copper, 40 mm dia., Betts-544, Baker-78B, Choice MS
This is an exceptionally nice example of the very first medal that was struck to honor George Washington and the only one produced during the American Revolution. The medal is so named because it has long been considered to have been struck in Paris by order of Voltaire (at Benjamin Franklin's urging). More recent evidence indicates that it was likely clandestinely produced in the factory of Josiah Wedgewood in England, a seditious act. These medals are rare today, and most show evidence of wear. One, graded EF, sold at auction in March 2020 (Kagin's) for $900 with the BP. This one is much finer, and the medal has been ranked among the 100 greatest American medals and tokens.
$1,750.00 (shipping to a U. S. address included)
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]