(1790s) Medal Washington-Success, Small Hand-Scalloped Edge

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,640 AU55 11-09-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

The Washington Success medal in small format with hand-scalloped edge is one of the most distinctive and rarest varieties in the Success token series. Unlike the standard plain or reeded edges found on other Success tokens, this piece features an edge that was manually scalloped or serrated after striking, creating an irregular decorative border around the circumference. This hand-finishing technique was occasionally employed on English-made tokens and medals during the late eighteenth century as a means of preventing counterfeiting or simply as an ornamental enhancement. The obverse carries the familiar crude Washington bust with SUCCESS TO THE UNITED STATES, while the reverse displays the heraldic eagle. At approximately 23mm in diameter, this small-module piece shares the dimensions of other small Success tokens but is immediately distinguishable by its unusual edge treatment. The hand-scalloped edge indicates either a special production run or post-striking modification, for presentation purposes or to create a more distinctive circulating piece. This variety is extremely scarce, with very few examples known to survive, making it one of the most challenging Success tokens for collectors to obtain.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. The hand-scalloped edge variety is one of the scarcest in the entire Success token series, with very few examples recorded. Auction appearances are infrequent.

Cross References

Baker-266 var.; Musante GW-42 var.; PCGS #899735