(1790s) Medal Washington-Success Small, Plain Edge MS(PCGS#782)

(1790s) Medal Washington-Success Small, Plain Edge MS (PCGS#782)

November 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Lot Description: 19.5 mm. Light golden brass with a trace of mellowing on the high points. Somewhat lightly struck, but evenly so, with a shallow planchet anomaly crossing part of the reverse, as made. Minor patina spots are noted but none look like oxidation spots that might be threatening to the metal. Soft luster on both sides and very nice eye appeal for the grade. Though it has been suggested that the small-diameter Success tokens were struck later for collectors, this seems highly unlikely as they appear in auction catalogs of the 1850s and 60s, seemingly in a variety of grades just as seen today, suggesting that they were of some age by that time. Some of the larger diameter pieces might well be of a later vintage than others as evidenced by heavy spalling that developed on the reverse. According to Musante, the most likely candidate as a maker and distributor of these was a Philadelphia tinsmith and merchant named Thomas Passmore, active ca. 1800; the longstanding tradition is that they were made and distributed for Washington's second inauguration. The sentiment expressed, however, might point better to Washington's resignation of the Presidency and the uncertainty a novel change in leadership might bring.