Undated Washington Success Medal - Small Reeded Edge Silvered

Coin Details

Description

The Washington Success medal in silvered small format with reeded edge is the smaller-module version of the Success token series, enhanced with a silvered surface treatment. At approximately 23mm in diameter, the small Success tokens are closer in size to contemporary copper cents and halfpence, making them more practical as circulating trade tokens than their larger counterparts. The silvering applied to this variety would have distinguished it from ordinary copper commerce, giving the piece an appearance of greater value and importance. The obverse carries a scaled-down version of the Washington bust with SUCCESS TO THE UNITED STATES, rendered in cruder detail than the large module due to the reduced working area. The reverse eagle is similarly compressed but retains its essential heraldic character. The reeded edge provides additional distinction from the plain-edge small variety. Small-module Success tokens in silvered form are among the rarer varieties in the series, as the combination of small size, silvering process, and two centuries of handling has resulted in few surviving examples with intact silver coating. The piece exemplifies the Birmingham token-making tradition that produced scores of Washington-themed pieces for the American market.

Rarity Notes

Rare. The silvered small-format variety is significantly scarcer than plain bronze small Success tokens. Specimens with intact silvering are especially uncommon.

Cross References

Baker-266 (silvered); Musante GW-42; PCGS #908201