Authenticating the 1783 Washington & Independence Silver Restrike: A Collector’s Guide

Historical Significance

The 1783 Washington & Independence silver restrike stands as one of the most captivating pieces of Washingtonia in American numismatics. Struck around 1860 by Thomas Wells Ingram, these tokens feature George Washington alongside allegorical representations of Liberty and Independence. Despite bearing the 1783 date, these are mid-19th century restrikes, making authentication a true test of a collector’s expertise.

Identifying Key Markers

Weight and Metal Composition

Authentic silver restrikes should register approximately 26-27 grams on a precision scale, consistent with their silver composition. These coins feature an engrailed edge and were struck in silver, setting them apart from copper or brass versions. When handling these coins, the weight should feel substantial and consistent with pure silver content.

Magnetic Properties

Since these are silver restrikes, they should not be attracted to magnets. This simple test is crucial for authentication, as many counterfeits use magnetic base metals. If your coin sticks to a magnet, it’s almost certainly a fake or composed of different materials entirely.

Die Markers and Design Elements

The authentic coins display specific die characteristics that are difficult to replicate. The Baker-3A, Breen-1195 variety shows particular design elements including Washington’s draped bust facing right, with Liberty and Independence depicted on the reverse. The engrailed edge should be consistent and well-defined, not irregular or poorly struck.

Common Fakes and Counterfeits

The market has seen numerous counterfeits of these restrikes, particularly in recent years. Common fakes often show these characteristics:

• Incorrect weight (either too light or too heavy)
• Magnetic properties (indicating non-silver composition)
• Poorly defined engrailed edge
• Incorrect die details or design elements
• Unusual toning or surface characteristics that appear artificial

Testing Methods

Professional Authentication

Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC have examined thousands of these restrikes. When submitting coins for authentication, ensure the service notes important details including the Musante catalog number (GW-107) and the reissue status. Recent changes in slab notations have removed some of this information, making provenance tracking more challenging.

Physical Examination

Examine the coin under magnification for these specific details:

• Edge quality and consistency of the engrailed design
• Relief depth and detail sharpness
• Surface texture and patina consistency
• Any signs of casting or tooling marks

Weight Verification

Use a precision scale accurate to at least 0.01 grams. Authentic silver restrikes should consistently fall within the 26-27 gram range. Significant deviations from this weight range should raise immediate concerns about authenticity.

Provenance and Documentation

Provenance plays a crucial role in authentication. Notable collections like the E. Pluribus Unum collection have included these restrikes, and tracking a coin’s history can provide additional authentication confidence. However, be aware that slab notations have changed over time, with some important details like the 1860 reissue date and Musante catalog number being removed from newer holders.

Population and Rarity

Current population reports suggest approximately 31 authentic silver restrikes exist across both PCGS and NGC populations. This relatively small number makes these coins particularly valuable and also makes authentication even more critical, as counterfeits become more sophisticated.

Conclusion

The 1783 Washington & Independence silver restrike remains one of the most fascinating and challenging coins for collectors to authenticate. With counterfeits becoming increasingly sophisticated, understanding the specific diagnostic points – weight, magnetic properties, die markers, and proper testing methods – is essential for any serious collector. When in doubt, professional authentication remains the safest route, particularly given the significant numismatic value these coins can command.

Remember that even slabbed coins can have changing information over time, as evidenced by recent changes in PCGS notations. Always verify the most current authentication standards and be particularly cautious of coins lacking proper documentation or showing unusual characteristics. The combination of historical significance, relative rarity, and authentication challenges makes these restrikes a rewarding but demanding area of numismatic study.

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