(1797) Silver Medal Baker-71, J-PR-1 Sansom Medal-1807 Original

Coin Details

Description

The Sansom Medal in silver, cataloged as Baker-71 and Julian PR-1, is one of the most historically significant medals in the Washington series. Produced in 1797 from original dies, this medal was designed by John Reich and struck at the Philadelphia Mint to commemorate Washington's retirement from the presidency in March 1797. The obverse features a refined right-facing bust of Washington in civilian dress, while the reverse depicts an allegorical scene of Washington at the plow, symbolizing his return to private life at Mount Vernon in the tradition of the Roman Cincinnatus. The reverse inscription references the voluntary surrender of power, an act that astonished the world and cemented Washington's reputation as the American Cincinnatus. Joseph Sansom, a Philadelphia merchant and numismatist, commissioned the medal and supervised its production at the Mint, making it one of the earliest privately commissioned medals struck using U.S. Mint facilities. The 1807 original striking in silver is the first die state, distinguished from later restrikes by die characteristics and surface quality. Silver examples are substantially rarer than later bronze restrikes, as the original production run was limited.

Rarity Notes

Rare in the 1807 original silver striking. Most Sansom Medals encountered are later restrikes in bronze. Original silver examples command substantial premiums and appear infrequently at major auctions.

Cross References

Baker-71; Julian PR-1; Musante GW-58; PCGS #546537