(1959) Medal Baker-22B, Washington VA Collis Restrike - Copper

Coin Details

Description

This copper restrike, cataloged as Baker-22B, is a 1959 restriking of the Washington Virginia Collis medal. The Collis restrike was produced in the mid-twentieth century, using surviving original dies or carefully made copy dies, to provide collectors with examples of an otherwise rare early Washington medal. The designation Baker-22B identifies this as a specific restrike variety distinguished from both the original striking and other restrike editions. The 1959 date is notable as it coincides with the bicentennial of Washington's service in the French and Indian War and a period of active collecting interest in Washington medals and tokens. Copper was chosen as the composition for this restrike, providing a traditional and aesthetically pleasing medium. Twentieth-century restrikes of early American medals occupy an interesting position in the collecting hierarchy: while they lack the historical immediacy and rarity of original strikings, they offer collectors access to designs and types that would otherwise be unobtainable due to extreme rarity and prohibitive cost. This restrike provides a tangible connection to early Washington commemorative medal-making traditions.

Rarity Notes

Moderately available. As a 1959 restrike, this piece was produced in larger numbers than the original and is accessible to most collectors. Original strikings of the Baker-22B type are far rarer.

Cross References

Baker-22B; Musante GW-22; PCGS #522529