Undated Washington Double Head Military Bust Cent

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as Baker 6, Musante GW-109, and Whitman 10380, this undated Washington cent is an unusual numismatic curiosity featuring Washington's uniformed military bust on both sides — a double-headed configuration that eliminates the conventional reverse design of a wreath, eagle, or denominational inscription. Double-headed coins can result from two scenarios: an intentional novelty production where two obverse dies were deliberately paired, or a minting error where an obverse die was accidentally installed in the reverse position. In the case of this Washington cent, the deliberate interpretation is generally favored, as the piece was likely produced as a novelty or joke item intended to amuse collectors, serve as a magician's trick coin, or function as a "two-headed" piece for settling wagers. The military bust depicts Washington in his Continental Army uniform, the same portrait type used on numerous Washington tokens and medals of the 1783-1800 period. Scarce and popular with collectors who appreciate the whimsical nature of double-headed pieces, this token occupies a distinctive niche in the Washington series as a curiosity item that transcends standard numismatic categorization. The Baker, Musante, and Whitman catalog numbers confirm its recognition across all three major Washington piece reference systems, ensuring that this novelty piece is documented alongside more conventional commemorative and circulating Washington tokens despite its unconventional two-obverse configuration.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Double-headed Washington pieces are popular novelty items.

Cross References

Baker 6; Musante GW-109; Whitman 10380