1959 Undated Washington Medal Restrike NGC MS64 RD

Scarce Restrike Of A 1792 Copper Coin

In 1792, a George Washington copper coin was struck, and even though it did not have a denomination, it was considered a "Cent." The mintage is unknown but the precious few that have popped up sporadically in auctions over the years have sold for as much as $27,600! The original, 1792-dated Washington, Eagle "Cent" is one of numerous pieces depicting a portrait of Washington that were issued in honor of the nation's first president during his last years and after his death in 1799. This particular piece is English in origin—Washington was held in high regard in Great Britain despite leading the nation that won its independence from Britain.

A Copy Of The Original Die

Fast forward to 1959 when coin dealer Albert Collis created a transfer die of the original die used to strike the undated (1792) "Washington Born Virginia" medal. An inscription around the rim of the piece reads, "GEO. WASHINGTON BORN VIRGINIA FEB. 11. 1732." Using the copy die, Collis struck around 5,000 copper examples. Once Collis completed the restriking process, he donated the die to the American Numismatic Association, where it resides today.

Uncirculated Red Condition

Here we have the hard-to-find Albert Collis undated "restrike" from 1959, and the detail is fantastic! You can see every detail from Washington's hair tied back in a ponytail to the epaulets and buttons of his military jacket. This piece is so nice that it has been authenticated and graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) as being in Choice Uncirculated Mint State-64 Red (MS64 RD) condition. A copper coin or medal is designated as Red when it retains at least 95 percent of its original red color on its surface. When copper coins are first struck, they have a brilliant reddish-orange color. Over time that red color will begin to turn brown. The color of vintage pennies and other copper coins is graded on a continuous scale of Red (RD), Red Brown (RB) and Brown (BN). This piece has been sonically sealed in an acrylic holder and comes encapsulated with a label that reads "(1959) Copper Collis Restrike." We have a very limited supply, so act quickly to get yours!