Finding 1959 George Washington Steel Restrike Impressions in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

Uncovering Hidden Treasures in Circulation

You don’t always need a dealer to find this. Here is what to look for when searching through circulation or bulk lots.

For the dedicated roll hunter, few discoveries are as exciting as stumbling upon a genuine numismatic anomaly in a box of junk silver or at an estate sale. The 1959 George Washington steel restrike impression represents exactly the kind of hidden treasure that makes cherry picking so rewarding. These unusual pieces, created during the restriking process of the Washington Born Virginia medal, occasionally surface in unexpected places, waiting for an observant collector to recognize their significance.

Historical Context of the 1959 Restrikes

In 1959, the original Washington Born Virginia medal dies were reportedly worn beyond use. According to articles published in The Numismatist that year, a collector named Collis commissioned new dies to be created through a steel-to-steel transfer process. This process involved creating copy dies from the original medals, allowing for additional restrikes to be produced.

The original medal, struck in silver with a mintage of just 27 pieces according to Collis’s own advertisements in the December 1961 Numismatist, became the basis for these restrikes. Understanding this history is crucial for anyone hoping to identify related pieces in the wild.

Identifying the Steel Restrike Impression

The steel restrike impression you might encounter appears as a negative impression in a steel bar, rather than a positive medal. Key identifying features include:

• Material Composition: The piece is magnetic, confirming it’s steel rather than another metal
• Image Texture: The Washington portrait shows a granular or textured appearance, distinct from the smooth surfaces of regular strikes
• Blank Reverse: The opposite side of the steel bar is typically blank
• Barcode Marking: An interesting linear marking along the side resembles a barcode and may be related to the production process

Forum discussions suggest this could be a test impression from a copy die hub, made either before the hub was used to create the copy die or later from the same hypothetical hub. The granular texture and negative impression make these pieces visually distinctive from standard medals.

What to Look For When Roll Hunting

When searching through bulk lots, estate sales, or even circulation, keep these characteristics in mind:

Pro Tip: The granular texture of Washington’s bust is a key differentiator. Compare any suspicious piece against known examples of the original 1959 restrikes to spot textural differences.

Pay special attention to pieces that appear to be steel rather than silver or copper. The magnetic property is an immediate indicator worth investigating further. Many collectors have reported finding such pieces mixed in with other numismatic items at flea markets, estate sales, or in boxes of old coins and medals.

Die Characteristics and Variations

Forum participants noted interesting die characteristics worth examining:

• A crack visible between the “O” and “R” of “Born” that extends through Washington’s hairline, shoulder, and the “B” in “Feb”
• The possibility that this crack could indicate either a die break or relate to an original hub breaking during production
• Variations in texture between different examples, with some showing more pronounced graininess than others

These variations suggest that multiple impressions may have been created during the restriking process, each with slightly different characteristics.

Authentication and Verification

If you believe you’ve found one of these steel restrike impressions, consider these verification steps:

1. Test for magnetism to confirm steel composition
2. Examine the texture of Washington’s portrait under magnification
3. Look for the characteristic barcode-like marking on the side
4. Compare your piece to known examples through numismatic forums and expert consultation

The numismatic community, particularly forums like those mentioned in the discussion, can be invaluable resources for authentication. Experts like John Kraljevich have been specifically called upon to examine these pieces due to their unusual nature.

Market Presence and Recent Discoveries

These pieces occasionally appear on secondary markets, with recent listings on eBay showing continued interest. The fact that similar items surface periodically suggests that more may still be in circulation or stored in collections waiting to be rediscovered.

Collectors should be aware that the market for these items is niche but active. Their connection to the 1959 restrike process and their unusual negative-impression format makes them appealing to specialized collectors of Washingtoniana, restrike varieties, and experimental numismatic pieces.

Why These Pieces Matter to Collectors

Beyond their monetary value, these steel restrike impressions represent an interesting chapter in numismatic history. They provide insight into the restriking process and the challenges of reproducing classic medals. For the cherry picker, finding one represents the thrill of discovery and the satisfaction of recognizing something unusual in a sea of common items.

The connection to the original Washington Born Virginia medal, combined with the mystery surrounding their exact production method and purpose, makes these pieces conversation starters and educational tools for numismatic outreach.

Conclusion: The Hunt Continues

The 1959 George Washington steel restrike impression remains one of those fascinating numismatic oddities that occasionally surfaces in unexpected places. For the dedicated roll hunter and cherry picker, understanding what to look for can turn an ordinary day of searching through bulk lots into an extraordinary discovery.

Remember that patience and knowledge are your greatest assets. The granular texture, magnetic properties, and distinctive barcode marking are your keys to identification. Whether you find one at an estate sale, in a box of old medals, or through online marketplaces, recognizing these pieces for what they are connects you to a specific moment in numismatic history and the ongoing story of coin collecting.

Happy hunting, and may your next roll contain a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered!

Related Resources

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