(1816) Bronze Medal GW-57, Ornamented Rim Halliday Medal

Coin Details

Auction Record

$10,800 SP65 11-30-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

This bronze Halliday Medal with ornamented rim, cataloged as GW-57, was produced circa 1816 by John Halliday of Birmingham, England. The ornamented rim distinguishes this variety from the plain-rim versions, featuring a decorative border pattern applied during striking that frames the medal's design fields with an additional element of visual interest. Halliday's Washington portrait is considered one of the finest English-made representations of Washington in the medallic arts, showing the general in a dignified neoclassical style that reflects the sophisticated die-cutting skills of Birmingham engravers. The bronze composition provides excellent detail reproduction and the warm patina that develops on copper alloys over time. The circa 1816 date places this medal in the Regency period, when English manufacturers continued to produce Washington medals for the American market despite the tensions of the War of 1812 era. The ornamented rim variant is less common than the plain-rim version, as the additional rim die work required specialized tooling that was used on only a portion of the total production run.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. The ornamented-rim variant is less commonly encountered than plain-rim Halliday Medals. Bronze examples with clear rim detail and attractive patina are sought after.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-57; PCGS #888324