Another George Washington Rarity: Repub Ameri/Funeral Token

I was recently able to acquire another exceedingly scare colonial (a quick internet search gives an R5 rating).

This interesting piece, supposedly issued in the early 1800s following the death of George Washington, very closely resembles an earlier medal. The only difference being that the Funeral Token lists the date of birth and date of death on the obverse, whereas the original Repub Ameri token bore the date 1796. The original design was created by English diecutter Thomas Wyon from the Peter Kempson and Son firm in Birmingham. They reissued the design in the form of a funeral token in 1800.

What is interesting to note is the date of death listed on the obverse is December 21st 1799, whereas Washington's actual date of death was a week earlier on the 14th, and his birth is listed as the 11th when in reality it was the 22nd. This is supposedly the dates for the old style calendar used before the gregorian calendar was adopted in Britain in 1752.

Obverse reads: GEORGE WASHINGTON BORN FEB. 11. 1732. DIED DC. 21. 1799
Reverse reads: + GENL. OF THE AMERICAN ARMIES RESIGND. THE COMMD. 1783: / ELECD. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES 1789 + / RESIGNED THE PRESIDENCY 1796 +

The coin was sent to me in a cardboard coin holder with an interesting pedigree. Apparently this coin was acquired from a certain Bob Vlack in 1977. Yes, supposedly this was once owned by THE Robert Vlack, renowned numismatist of US colonial coinage. Not sure if it is true, but that would be pretty cool if so.


Coin is listed as Baker-69, and WA.1800.1 by Fuld. A pleasing chocolate color with wear and weakness on both sides...perhaps someone's pocket piece. I grade it F12 to F15.

All information from http://www.coins.nd.edu/ColCoin/ColCoinIntros/WashREPUBameri.intro.html

 

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Good seein' ya Frisco.......ain't that center device (reverse) reminiscent of the insignia for 'Artillery' (Army)? Or am I seein' things?

 

Heya green, it definitely has some resemblance. Although I think the artillery insignia more resembles cannons...the reverse of this coin appears to show the fasces (as seen by the axe blade), the symbol that also appears on the reverse of the Mercury dime.

 

I sent a message to the seller regarding the previous ownership and received this reply, which pretty much confirms what I thought when I saw the name written on the holder:

That's just icing on the cake for me for this rare coin.

 

Cool find man! Glad to see you around too.

 

Always glad to stop on by

 

Found this Anyone know about it?