(1858) Brass Medal GW-228, 2nd Obv Sprite & Sea Serpent Mule

Coin Details

Auction Record

$576 MS65 11-30-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

This brass medal, cataloged as GW-228, features a second obverse die paired with the "Sprite and Sea Serpent" reverse, produced circa 1858. The Sprite and Sea Serpent mule is one of the more whimsical and unusual pieces in the Washington medal series, combining a Washington portrait obverse with a reverse depicting a mythological marine scene featuring a sprite and sea serpent. Mule medals pairing Washington portraits with unrelated or fantastic reverses were a product of the antebellum medal-making culture, where die-sinkers freely combined available dies to produce novel and marketable varieties. The second obverse designation indicates a Washington portrait die that differs from the primary obverse used on other GW-228 examples. The brass composition gives this piece a warm, golden tone. The Sprite and Sea Serpent reverse originated as a die for a separate medallic program — a gaming token, fantasy piece, or decorative medalet — that was subsequently paired with a Washington obverse for commercial or collecting purposes.

Rarity Notes

Rare. The brass Sprite and Sea Serpent mule with second obverse is one of the less common varieties in this unusual series.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-228; PCGS #888599