Undated Washington Success Medal - Small Plain Edge

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as Baker 267, Musante GW-43, and Whitman 10910, this small-size (approximately 28 mm) Washington "Success" medal with plain edge carries the obverse legend SUCCESS TO THE UNITED STATES with Washington's bust, and a reverse depicting an eagle. The Success medals, produced in both large and small formats, are believed to have originated in England during the late 18th century, possibly intended as gaming tokens or good-luck pieces for the American market, though their exact purpose remains debated among numismatic scholars. The smaller diameter distinguished this version from the large-format Success medals (approximately 34 mm), and the plain edge separates it from reeded-edge variants within the small-size group. Washington's portrait on the obverse follows the military bust convention common to English-made Washington tokens of this period, and the patriotic sentiment "SUCCESS TO THE UNITED STATES" connects the piece to the commercial and political goodwill trade between Britain and the newly independent American states. Scarce in the small copper plain-edge configuration, this medal is moderately available compared to the rarer compositions and edge types, making it an accessible representative of the Success medal series for collectors building a comprehensive Washington pieces cabinet spanning the 1783-1800 period.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Small copper plain edge is moderately available.

Cross References

Baker 267; Musante GW-43; Whitman 10910