(1816) White Metal Medal GW-57, Halliday Medal Plain Rim

Coin Details

Auction Record

$9,000 MS65 04-25-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

This white metal Halliday Medal with plain rim, cataloged as GW-57, was produced circa 1816 by John Halliday of Birmingham, England. White metal provided an inexpensive alternative to bronze and silver, allowing Halliday to offer his Washington portrait medal at a price point accessible to a broader market. The plain rim on this variety matches the silver plain-rim version, distinguishing it from the ornamented-rim variant produced in bronze. White metal's bright, silvery appearance would have given this piece visual similarity to the silver version when newly struck, though the alloys age differently over time. Halliday's portrait of Washington is well-reproduced in white metal, with the softer alloy capturing fine details effectively during striking. White metal medals from the early nineteenth century are inherently fragile, as the tin-based alloy is susceptible to corrosion, bending, and the crystalline transformation known as tin pest that can slowly destroy the metal's structural integrity. Surviving examples in good condition represent a relatively small fraction of the original production.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. White metal Halliday Medals survive in smaller numbers than bronze versions due to the fragility of the alloy. Examples with stable metal and clear details are uncommon.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-57; PCGS #826116