(1800) White Metal Medal GW-82, Westwood Medal

Coin Details

Description

This white metal Westwood Medal, cataloged as GW-82, was produced circa 1800 in England. The white metal composition distinguishes this from the bronze and silver versions of the Westwood Medal, offering a brighter, more silvery appearance at lower cost. White metal, primarily composed of tin with trace amounts of antimony or copper, was widely used for English medals and tokens during the late Georgian and Regency periods. The GW-82 designation indicates the primary die combination of the Westwood Medal, with the standard obverse portrait and first reverse. The Westwood Medal takes its name from the manufacturer or commissioner of the piece, and it represents one of the more accomplished English Washington portraits in the medallic series. White metal examples from circa 1800 are scarce, as the alloy is susceptible to "tin pest" and other forms of environmental degradation that have destroyed many specimens over the past two centuries. Well-preserved white metal Westwood Medals are therefore more difficult to obtain than bronze examples, despite the white metal's originally lower cost of production.

Rarity Notes

Scarce to rare. White metal is fragile and many examples have deteriorated. Specimens in good condition with clear details and stable metal are uncommon.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-82; PCGS #931211