An original 1800 George Washington "Hero of Freedom" Memorial Medal, struck in Pewter by Obadiah Westwood of Birmingham, England.

An extremely rare early commemorative medal honouring George Washington, America's first President, following his death in December 1799.

Featuring Washington's portrait and the famous "HERO OF FREEDOM" inscription on the reverse.

Catalogued as Musante GW-81, Baker-79A, White Metal Variety.

Diameter: 38.5mm
Weight: 18.4g
Date: 1800
Composition: Pewter 

Discovered while metal detecting in the West Midlands, UK. Gently cleaned using soapy water, a soft brush. Retains great surviving detail and natural age-related character.

Rarity & Collector Reference

The rarity of this white-metal variety is documented by the respected American numismatic auction house Stack's Bowers Galleries.

In November 2020, Stack's Bowers offered a 38.5mm white-metal Hero of Freedom medal, catalogued as Musante GW-81, Baker-79A,Their specialist described it as the first white-metal example they recalled encountering in more than two decades.

Collectors can research this example in the Stack's Bowers November 2020 E Pluribus Unum Collection, Lot 4309, and consult PCGS auction records for the white-metal variety. (extract in listing picture #4)

An exceptionally interesting and scarce piece of early American commemorative history, with a direct connection to Birmingham's historic medal-making industry.

Please study all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

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The medal will be securely packed and sent via eBay Simple Delivery, with international buyers welcome through eBay’s Global Shipping Programme. Payment through eBay only.

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