Undated Washington Success Medal - Large Plain Edge Silvered

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as Baker 265A, Musante GW-42, and Whitman 10895, this large-format (approximately 34 mm) undated Washington Success medal with plain edge and silvered finish combines three distinguishing features that set it apart from other Success medal variants. The silvering process applied a thin layer of silver to the copper surface, producing a brighter, more luminous appearance that simulated a silver striking at a fraction of the material cost. The obverse bears Washington's bust with the legend SUCCESS TO THE UNITED STATES, while the reverse features an eagle — a patriotic composition that connected Washington's image to the national aspiration for prosperity and stability. The silvered finish has often partially worn away over time, revealing the copper base metal beneath and creating a distinctive two-toned patina that some collectors find visually appealing. Produced in England during the late 18th century, Success medals were likely distributed as gaming counters, good-luck tokens, or commercial keepsakes rather than as official commemoratives, though their exact original purpose remains debated. Rare in silvered finish, these examples are scarcer than plain copper versions because the silvering process was an additional manufacturing step that increased production costs and was therefore applied to a smaller subset of the total output. The large-size Success medal provides a more visually imposing canvas for the portrait and eagle design compared to the small-format version cataloged separately.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Silvered examples are scarcer than plain copper.

Cross References

Baker 265A; Musante GW-42; Whitman 10895