(c.1789) Medal GW-09-P1 Obv Cliche White Metal Washington Before Boston

Coin Details

Description

A white metal obverse cliche of the Washington Before Boston medal, cataloged as Musante GW-09-P1, dating to approximately 1789. A cliche is a thin, one-sided impression taken from a die, typically produced as a trial piece, record of the die's state, or presentation proof of the design. This example captures only the obverse of the Washington Before Boston medal showing Washington's uniformed bust with the Comitia Americana dedication legend. The GW-09-P1 designation indicates this is the first Paris Mint die pairing identified in the Musante catalog system. The circa 1789 dating places its creation close to the original production period, making it a significant die record piece. White metal (an alloy of tin and lead) was commonly used for cliches and trial impressions at the Paris Mint because it was soft enough to capture fine die details without significant wear to the production dies.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Obverse cliches are seldom encountered and represent important die-state records. Few examples survive from this early period.

Cross References

Musante GW-09-P1; Baker-47 (related); Julian MI-1 (type)