(1862) Brass Medal GW-493, 2nd Obv Headquarters, No. 5 Tappan

Coin Details

Auction Record

$198 MS63 08-22-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

This brass medal cataloged as GW-493, struck from the second obverse die, depicts Washington's headquarters "No. 5 Tappan," produced circa 1862. The duplicate numbering as "No. 5" with Valley Forge indicates either a cataloging overlap or that the series was organized by a system other than strict chronological sequence. Washington used the DeWint House in Tappan, New York, as his headquarters during two significant periods: in 1780 for the trial and execution of Major John Andre, and in 1783 during the final peace negotiations. The Tappan headquarters is associated with some of the war's most dramatic personal moments — Washington's anguished decision to execute the popular young British officer Andre and his refusal of suggestions that he become king. The brass composition continues the consistent material choice across the headquarters series, and the second-obverse die state matches other pieces in the numbered sequence.

Rarity Notes

GW-493, brass, 2nd Obverse. Headquarters No. 5, Tappan. Shares number with Valley Forge. Moderate scarcity.

Cross References

PCGS #883403; GW-493; Headquarters No. 5 Tappan, brass, 2nd Obv