Double Head
Base
About This Coin
A numismatic curiosity within the Washington Pieces series, the Double Head features Washington's portrait on both obverse and reverse, eliminating the conventional reverse design. Weighing 9 grams, 28 mm in diameter with plain edge, these undated pieces are attributed to circa 1820. Both plain and engrailed (notched) edge varieties exist, suggesting deliberate production in multiple formats rather than accident. A notable result of $4,900 in MS62 at Heritage Auctions shows moderate collector demand. Double-headed coins have served as novelty items, "trick" coins for wagers (both sides heads), and collector curiosities. The circa-1820 attribution places production during early organized American numismatic collecting, when interest in Washington tokens was developing into systematic pursuit. The designer remains unknown. Within the broader Washington Pieces series, this type occupies a distinctive niche as a deliberate oddity rather than a conventional commemorative or circulating piece, transcending standard numismatic categorization with its playful two-obverse configuration.
Specifications
Strike Types & Varieties(3)
(c. 1820) Token 1C GW-110, Washington Double Head Engrailed Edge Cent
(c. 1820) Token 1C GW-110, Washington Double Head Plain Edge Cent
Undated Washington Double Head Military Bust Cent
Other Base Coins in This Series
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