Finding Collis Restrikes in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

The Thrill of the Hunt

You don’t always need a dealer to find rare treasures. Sometimes, the most exciting discoveries happen when you’re simply searching through circulation, bulk lots, or estate sales. The Collis restrikes of the Washington Born Virginia medal represent one of those fascinating numismatic finds that can still be discovered by the observant collector.

Historical Significance

In 1959, Albert Collis created a transfer die from the original die used to strike the undated (1792) “Washington Born Virginia” medals. This was no small undertaking – Collis meticulously reproduced the original design to create a series of restrikes in multiple metals. What makes these pieces particularly interesting is their uniface nature and the variety of metals used, creating a collecting challenge that spans from common copper to ultra-rare platinum.

Understanding the Mintage Breakdown

According to historical records, Collis struck the following pieces using his transfer die:

• Platinum (1)
• Lead (1)
• Gold (7)
• Silver (22)
• Copper (5,019)

The copper restrikes represent the bulk of production, with over 5,000 pieces struck. This makes them the most likely to encounter in circulation or bulk lots, though even these aren’t exactly common finds.

Identifying Key Markers

When searching through potential finds, look for these distinguishing characteristics:

• Uniface design – only one side is struck
• Washington’s bust facing right with “WASHINGTON BORN VIRGINIA” inscription
• Copper examples show a warm, reddish-brown patina that develops over time
• Silver examples have a bright, lustrous appearance
• Gold pieces would show a distinctive yellow color and higher weight

Where to Look

The most promising locations for finding Collis restrikes include:

Circulation Searches

While finding a Collis restrike in circulation is extremely unlikely, copper examples occasionally appear in mixed lots of old copper coins. Pay special attention to any unusual Washington-related pieces that might be overlooked by casual searchers.

Bulk Lots and Estate Sales

This is where your best chances lie. Estate sales, particularly those of older collectors or those with Washingtoniana collections, can yield surprising finds. Look for lots containing colonial-era or early American pieces, as these may contain restrikes mixed with genuine period items.

Online Marketplaces

Keep an eye on platforms like eBay, where misidentified pieces occasionally appear. The copper restrikes, being the most common, sometimes show up with minimal descriptions or incorrect attributions.

Authentication Tips

Since these are restrikes from the 1950s, they lack the centuries of wear that genuine 1792 pieces would show. This can actually work in your favor – the details should be crisp and well-defined. However, be aware that some counterfeits exist, so look for:

• Consistent strike quality across the surface
• Appropriate weight for the metal type
• Absence of modern tooling marks
• Proper edge characteristics for uniface pieces

Notable Appearances and Sales

Historical records show some interesting patterns in how these restrikes have appeared over the years. Bowers & Merena’s April 1986 sale contained a significant hoard, including:

• 40 copper pieces in 5 lots
• 15 off-center copper pieces in 7 lots
• 6 silver pieces (one per lot)
• 3 gold pieces (one per lot)

Current Market Values

Based on recent sales data, here’s what collectors are currently paying:

• Copper: $50-150 depending on condition
• Silver: $300-800 depending on grade and eye appeal
• Gold: $2,000+ (extremely rare)
• Platinum/Lead: Unknown – possibly unique

The Die’s Fate

According to Albert Collis’s own account published in The Numismatist (August 1959), the transfer dies were defaced by a grinder in his presence after production concluded. However, the original die used to create the transfer dies was donated to the American Numismatic Association museum, where it reportedly remains today. This adds an interesting provenance element to the restrikes – they were created using dies that were themselves copies of the original.

Conclusion: The Collector’s Challenge

The Collis restrikes represent a unique opportunity in numismatics – modern creations of historical designs that have taken on collectible status in their own right. While finding the ultra-rare gold or platinum examples would be a once-in-a-lifetime discovery, even the copper restrikes offer an affordable entry point into collecting these pieces. The key is patience, knowledge, and the willingness to search through lots that others might overlook. Who knows? The next time you’re examining a mixed lot of colonial-era pieces or Washingtonia, you might just find one of these fascinating restrikes waiting to be rediscovered.

Related Resources

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