(1816) Silver Medal GW-57, Plain Rim Halliday Medal

Coin Details

Auction Record

$28,800 SP62 11-09-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

This silver Halliday Medal with plain rim, cataloged as GW-57, was produced circa 1816 by John Halliday of Birmingham, England. Silver examples of the Halliday Medal are significantly rarer than their bronze counterparts, as silver was a more expensive medium that limited both production quantities and the market of potential purchasers. The plain rim on this variety provides a clean, unadorned frame for Halliday's accomplished Washington portrait, allowing the viewer's attention to focus entirely on the portrait and inscriptions. The silver composition gives the medal a bright, lustrous appearance when well-preserved, with the capacity for attractive toning over time. Halliday's portrait of Washington ranks among the best English medallic interpretations, capturing both the dignity and humanity of the subject. The circa 1816 date reflects continued English interest in Washington memorabilia nearly two decades after his death, sustained by transatlantic commerce and the steady American demand for medallic portraits of the founding hero.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Silver Halliday Medals are considerably scarcer than bronze examples. Well-preserved specimens with original surfaces are particularly difficult to locate and command significant premiums.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-57; PCGS #908162