(1870) Silver Medalet GW-454, Non-Mint Issue 2 Washington-Lincoln

Coin Details

Description

This silver medalet cataloged as GW-454 is a non-Mint issue pairing Washington and Lincoln on the second die combination, produced circa 1870. Unlike the Paquet/Barber Washington-Lincoln medalets produced at the U.S. Mint (such as GW-450), this non-Mint version was privately produced, by one of the prominent private die sinkers active in the post-Civil War numismatic market. The Washington-Lincoln pairing remained enormously popular after the war, as both presidents were venerated as saviors of the republic — Washington for creating it and Lincoln for preserving it. The "2nd" die designation distinguishes this from earlier die combinations in the Washington-Lincoln medalet series. Silver non-Mint strikings are scarce because private producers had no institutional advantage in obtaining silver and had to purchase it at market prices. The medalet format made these pieces practical for pocket carry, allowing owners to carry portraits of both presidents as talismans of national identity.

Rarity Notes

GW-454, silver medalet. Non-Mint issue, 2nd die. Washington-Lincoln pairing. Scarce private silver striking.

Cross References

PCGS #932055; GW-454; Non-Mint Washington-Lincoln, silver, 2nd die