(1876) Medalet GW-459, Uniface Copper Washington

Coin Details

Auction Record

$264 MS64RB 08-22-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

This uniface copper medalet cataloged as GW-459 depicts George Washington, produced circa 1876. The uniface format — struck on only one side — indicates a trial strike from a die, an intentionally one-sided piece, or a working proof produced by the die sinker. Uniface pieces are inherently scarce because they represent either preliminary production stages or deliberately unusual formats, neither of which generated large quantities. The copper composition provides excellent detail reproduction and long-term durability for this small-format piece. The medalet's diminutive size and uniface format indicate it was intended as a lapel pin backing, button insert, or component of a larger piece of jewelry or regalia. The GW-459 catalog number documents this within the broader Washington medal series, where uniface pieces are relatively uncommon entries that attract specialists interested in production processes and unusual formats.

Rarity Notes

GW-459, copper, uniface medalet. Unusual format indicates limited production. Scarce.

Cross References

PCGS #884251; GW-459; Uniface Washington medalet, copper