You are here:
- Home
- Hobbies
- Coin Collecting
- Coin and Paper Money Collecting
- 1789 1st President USA George Washington Medal
Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1789 1st President USA George Washington Medal
Advertisement
Question
Both sides of this medal are the same. It has a picture of George Washington, at the top it reads 1789 1st President USA and the bottom reads George Washington. The top has a ring, I imagine for connecting to a necklace/chain. It is non magnetic, so I am guessing it could be made from silver. It is obviously in rough condition but I was able to verify the writing on it by doing a little research. So my questions are, what was this medal used for/ why was it made? Also, does it have any value? Thank you!
)
Hi Kyle:
)
Thanks for your question.
There were a number of similar questions about this piece, and the general response is that they are modern examples, and cheaply made, where they are non-magnetic. This is likely (one of many types) privately minted, and many were minted around the time of the Bi-centennial. Many were like this, the same on both sides, others have different reverses.
If it doesn't have a company name on it or initials, then the most I could tell you is that it likely isn't worth a lot, and in your condition, it's worth less. New, they seldom sell for more than a few dollars. I think I found several examples of your token in much better condition on eBay. See: http://cgi.ebay.com/GEORGE-WASHINGTON-FIRST-PRESIDENT-TOKEN-SILVER-COLOR-/180560... or http://cgi.ebay.com/George-Washington-1st-President-Coin-Token-1732-1799-/260732...
The early Washington pieces did not carry the first president on them. The "Red Book", a guide book of United States coins, which has early Washington pieces in it that actually are not coins, but are Americana, have no listing for your piece. The dating is wrong for your piece to be an old one, as it lists the date he became president, 1789. There are no early medals or tokens with that date, they are either before or after. There are millions of Washington medals and tokens out there, made over the years. Every time his birth or death anniversary comes along someone makes a new piece. There are books on Washington medal and tokens. You may want to try your library. The "Token and Medal Society" maybe able to help. Site: http://www.tokenandmedal.org/
You may also want to view: http://www.coinfacts.com/colonial_coins/washingtonia/washington_coins_tokens_med...
If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to the value at no charge. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. If you should decide to sell your items to a dealer, remember they will offer about 50% to 60% of the retail value. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php
Hope this helps. Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.
Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Received the answer to my question in just a couple hours and it was very detailed. Thank you! | ||
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Ronald Fern
Expertise
I can answer most all questions relating to US coins, tokens, and currency. I'm not strong on world coins or ancients. Primary field of expertise is errors and varieties. Over 55 years experience in coin collecting. Part time dealer since 1976. Employed by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for over 34 years as an Industrial Engineer/Technical Specialist before retiring in 2002.
Experience
Worked weekends for "Lonesome" John in the late 1960's to mid 1970's processing error coins, packaging, and preparing orders. Worked with John Devine and Fred Weinberg on several California Error A Rama's in the early 1970's. Served as display judge at annual Error-A-Rama coin shows. Opened and operated mail order coin business DBA "CAL ERRORS" in 1976. Contributer to Alan Herbert's "Official Price Guide To Mint Errors" and Fivaz/Stanton "Cherrypickers' Guide". Worked Saturdays at Huntington Beach Coin Exchange 1980-1999. Had table and sold coins at a number of coin and gun shows in So CA, AZ and NV. Sell coins, tokens and currency currently at my space in the Pomona Antique Center. Past "Errorscope" Editor. Presently CONECA Examiner.
Organizations
ANA, CONECA, CWTS, NLG
Publications
Errorscope, Numismatic News, Civil War Token Journal, Error and Variety News
Education/Credentials
AA Degree LBCC pre Engineering, 1964
BS Degree CSULB Ind Technology, 1968
Awards and Honors
1st Place EAR Trophy for Civil War Token Errors, NLG Author of Year Award for best monthly coin column "Error News and Views" in small Numismatic paper, owned and published by Ray Anthony.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.