(1862) Brass Medal GW-488, 2nd Obv Headquarters, No. 1 Harlem

Coin Details

Auction Record

$204 MS63 08-22-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

This brass medal cataloged as GW-488, struck from the second obverse die, is the second in the numbered headquarters series depicting "No. 1 Harlem," produced circa 1862. The "2nd Obv" designation indicates this was struck from a replacement obverse die, distinguishable from the original by minor differences in the Washington portrait or lettering. Die variety collecting is fundamental to Washington medal numismatics, as the same basic design could exist in multiple die states and combinations. The Harlem headquarters — the Morris-Jumel Mansion — is the oldest surviving house in Manhattan, built in 1765 and serving as Washington's command post during the critical September 1776 campaign. The brass composition of this second-obverse striking differs from the silvered copper of the first-obverse version (PCGS #909477), suggesting these varieties were produced at different times or for different market segments. The headquarters series documents Washington's constantly shifting command posts during the fluid military campaigns of the Revolution.

Rarity Notes

GW-488, brass, 2nd Obverse. Headquarters No. 1, Harlem. Die variety collectors seek both obverse versions.

Cross References

PCGS #883388; GW-488; Headquarters No. 1 Harlem, brass, 2nd Obv