1860 Silver Medal J-MT-23, Washington Cabinet

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,140 UNC Details 08-20-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1860 silver version of Julian MT-23, specifically identified as the "Washington Cabinet" medal, represents a premium striking of the Mint Cabinet medal in precious metal. The "Washington Cabinet" designation references the collection's particularly significant holdings of George Washington-related numismatic material, which Director James Ross Snowden had been actively expanding during his tenure. Snowden's 1860 publication cataloging Washington medals drew heavily on the Mint Cabinet's holdings and helped establish the scholarly framework that Washington medal collectors still use today. The obverse of this silver striking presents the same design as the bronze version but with the enhanced detail and luster that silver's striking characteristics provide. Silver medals from this era capture engraving details with particular clarity, as the metal's softness relative to bronze allows it to flow more completely into the fine details of the die. The silver composition also indicates this was produced as a presentation or premium collector piece rather than a standard souvenir, consistent with the Mint's tiered pricing system for medals in different metals. The reverse carries the Julian MT-23 catalog designation and Washington Cabinet inscriptions. Silver versions of Mint medals from 1860 are significantly scarcer than their bronze counterparts, as production runs were much smaller and the precious metal content made them more expensive to acquire. The Washington Cabinet designation adds a further layer of specificity and collectible interest, connecting this medal to the scholarly numismatic tradition that Snowden championed during his directorship.

Rarity Notes

Silver striking, Julian MT-23. Washington Cabinet variant. Scarcer than the bronze version. Presentation-quality production.

Cross References

PCGS #523387; Julian MT-23; Washington Cabinet; Silver variant; Director James Ross Snowden