Washington – 3 oz Hand-Hammered Silver Medal

Early American medallic art meets the individual character of a hand-worked silver blank. This Washington medal contains 3 troy ounces of .999 fine silver, with a deeply modeled portrait, a spread-winged eagle, and an antiqued patina that brings out the relief. The edition is limited to 500 pieces.

A Portrait Rooted in Medallic History

The Washington portrait draws on the Sansom medal tradition. The Smithsonian’s National Numismatic Collection preserves a Washington Sansom medal engraved by John Reich, linking this likeness to the early republic’s commemorative art. Medals offered a way to preserve the reputation of public figures in an object that could be held, studied, and passed down.

Washington himself collected medals. Mount Vernon’s account of his collection describes a remarkable assemblage of the new nation’s medallic art, including a complete set of the Comitia Americana series. A modern medal bearing his likeness therefore honors both the historical figure and a form of art he valued.

Handcrafted Character

The edges are hand-hammered before the medal is hot struck under high-relief dies. Each red-hot piece is centered by eye and struck without a retaining collar. The resulting variations in outline and dimensions are part of the intended character, combining an ancient-inspired appearance with American design elements. An antiqued patina emphasizes the modeling and surface detail.

Obverse Design

A right-facing bust of Washington rises from a radial starburst beneath the bold word “LIBERTY.” The undated portrait and uneven hand-worked edge give the medal a sculptural, individual presence.

Reverse Design

A spread-winged eagle holds a ribbon bearing “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” with arrows and an olive branch in its talons. A numbering banner appears below, and the hallmark sits beneath the arrows.

Note to collectors: Being hand fabricated, hot struck, and antiqued, these medals will exhibit some small irregularities that are not considered to be detracting. Great care is taken to ensure there are no glaring inclusions that might diminish eye-appeal while still remaining true to the nature of the fabrication techniques employed.  

Specifications

• Weight: 3 troy ounces
• Metal: .999 fine silver
• Diameter: Approximately 42mm; varies by piece
• Thickness: Approximately 9mm; varies by piece
• Edge: Hand hammered
• Finish: Antiqued patina
• Mintage: 500

Explore more designs in our silver round collection.