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Skull+Crossed Bones Washington Funeral Medal

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Washington Medals

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"Skull & Crossed Bones" Washington Funeral Medal Rarity

(1799) George Washington Funeral Medal. "Skull & Crossed Bones" Type. Struck in Silver. NGC graded Extremely Fine-45.
Baker 165A, Obverse 1, Reverse A1. 29mm. The purpose of this significant variety was to honor the George Washington upon his death. Holed, as always, at the top for suspension. This medal is in excellent quality, as it is very evenly worn. All details are sharp and clear, the surfaces smooth and hard and it is completely free of any rim dings, nicks or other detractions. The color is a perfect light silver-gray with some slightly deeper tone highlighting the devices and legends. The rarity of the Skull & Crossbones variety is much greater than that of the Urn type. The Rulau/Fuld reference estimates of the surviving population of each type, the difference is a ratio of about 8-10 "Urn" types for every 1 "Skull and Crossbones" type. That is about ten times more rare. If such a ratio were to be extrapolated against each types market value, the price in this quality should reasonably approach $40,000 to $50,000 as the "Urn" types sell in similar grade for $4,000 to $5,000. Rulau/Fuld's estimate for the total population for the "Skull & Crossbones" type is only 15-25 pieces known in all qualities. This is the first example we've offered in over a decade. The last "Skull & Crossbones" type George Washington Funeral Medal we sold being in August of 1998 and was only a Fine in quality. We suggest a strongly considered bid to win the capture this impressive and historic prize, which is easily worth our estimate range.



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