The Hidden History Behind the 1959 Colis Washington Steel Restrike

The Forgotten Art of Steel Restrikes

Every relic tells a story. To understand this item, we have to look at the era in which it was created. The 1959 Colis Washington restrike represents a fascinating chapter in American numismatic history, bridging the gap between traditional medal production and modern replication techniques.

The Historical Context of 1959

The late 1950s marked a period of significant technological advancement in medal and coin production. The United States was experiencing a boom in commemorative items, with collectors showing increasing interest in historical pieces. It was during this era that William F. Collis, a prominent figure in the numismatic community, undertook the ambitious project of restriking the Washington Born Virginia medal.

The Original Washington Born Virginia Medal

The original Washington Born Virginia medal was created to commemorate George Washington’s birthplace in Westmoreland County, Virginia. This medal held special significance as it connected to America’s founding father and his Virginia heritage. The original dies, created in the early 20th century, had become worn or were no longer available, prompting Collis’s innovative approach to preservation.

The Steel-to-Steel Transfer Process

According to Collis’s own account in the August 1959 issue of The Numismatist, the restrike process involved a sophisticated steel-to-steel transfer technique. This method was revolutionary for its time, allowing for the creation of new dies from existing medals or dies. The process involved:

• Creating a hub from the original die
• Using this hub to create new working dies
• Producing restrikes in various metals

The Mystery of the Steel Bar

The steel bar in question appears to be a test piece or trial strike from this process. Its magnetic properties confirm its steel composition, and the granular texture of Washington’s bust suggests it may have been created during the initial stages of the transfer process. The barcode-like marking on the side could represent:

• A production identifier
• A quality control mark
• An inventory tracking system

The Significance of the Die Cracks

The die cracks visible on the piece provide valuable insight into the production process. The crack that extends from between the “O” and “R” in “Born” through Washington’s hairline and shoulder indicates stress points in the die. This could suggest:

The piece may represent an early state of the die, before significant wear occurred during regular production.

The Production Numbers Controversy

Interestingly, correspondence from Collis in the November 1959 Numismatist mentions a silver mintage of 27 pieces, not the 22 previously thought. This discrepancy highlights the challenges in tracking production numbers for restrikes and experimental pieces from this era.

Comparing to Known Restrikes

When compared to the known copper restrikes from the 1959 production, this steel bar shows significant differences. The copper pieces typically have a smoother finish, while this steel bar retains the granular texture. This suggests it may have been created earlier in the production process or using different techniques.

The Role of Test Pieces

Test pieces like this steel bar were crucial in the medal production process. They allowed craftsmen to:

• Verify the accuracy of the transfer process
• Test the quality of the new dies
• Make adjustments before full production began

Historical Significance

This steel bar represents more than just a test piece. It embodies the intersection of historical preservation and modern manufacturing techniques in mid-20th century America. The piece tells the story of how numismatists and craftsmen worked to preserve and recreate historical items using the technology available to them in 1959.

Collectibility and Value

While not a standard restrike, this steel bar holds significant value for collectors due to its:

• Rarity as a test piece
• Historical connection to the 1959 restrike project
• Unique granular texture and die state
• Potential connection to the production process

Authentication Considerations

Collectors should note several key features when authenticating similar pieces:

• The magnetic properties of the steel
• The granular texture of the relief
• The presence and location of any die cracks
• Any markings on the side of the piece

Conclusion

The 1959 Colis Washington steel restrike bar represents a fascinating piece of numismatic history. It provides insight into the production techniques of the era and the efforts to preserve historical medals through modern methods. While its exact role in the production process remains somewhat mysterious, its connection to the Washington Born Virginia medal restrike project makes it a valuable piece for collectors interested in the history of American medal production.

For collectors and historians alike, pieces like this steel bar offer a tangible connection to the past and the evolution of numismatic craftsmanship. They remind us that behind every medal and coin lies a story of innovation, preservation, and the enduring fascination with America’s historical figures.

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