The Hidden Treasure: Spotting Rare Errors on Your George Washington 1917 Medal

The Thrill of the Hunt: Why Details Matter

Most collectors know the excitement of discovering a hidden gem in an estate sale or inherited collection. That George Washington medal gathering dust in your drawer might be more than just a commemorative piece – it could be a valuable error coin waiting to be discovered. The devil is truly in the details when it comes to numismatic treasures.

Historical Context: The 1917 George Washington Medal

The early 1900s saw a surge in patriotic collectibles honoring America’s first president. Your uniface piece featuring Washington’s left-facing bust with a 1917 date falls squarely into this era of American commemorative art. However, determining its true value requires careful examination of several key factors.

Metal Composition: The First Clue

Forum members quickly noted that your piece might not be silver as initially thought. This is crucial because:

• Silver medals typically command higher prices due to intrinsic metal value
• Base metal versions are more common and less valuable
• Weight and magnetic testing can confirm composition and help identify silver content

The surfaces are odd for a struck piece. I wonder whether it may have been cast.

Identifying Key Markers: What to Look For

Die Cracks: The Fingerprint of the Mint

Die cracks appear as raised lines on the coin’s surface where the die has cracked during the striking process. On your Washington medal, examine:

• The area around Washington’s portrait for fine raised lines
• The rim for any irregular bumps or lines
• The date area (1917) for stress marks that could indicate a rare die state

Double Dies: When the Mint Makes a Mistake Twice

Double die errors occur when the die itself is struck twice slightly off-center. Look closely at:

• Washington’s facial features – any doubling in the nose, eyes, or chin?
• The lettering – especially the date and any inscriptions for signs of doubling
• Using magnification (10x minimum) to spot subtle doubling that could significantly increase collectibility

Mint Mark Variations: Location Matters

While your medal appears to be uniface, mint mark variations can significantly impact value. Check for:

• Any small letters near the date or rim
• Unusual spacing between letters that might indicate a repunched mint mark
• Repunched mint marks (visible under magnification) that could indicate a rare variety

The Reverse Side: Hidden Secrets

Engraving Analysis

The reverse engraving reading “Harry Eisman” adds a personal history element. Such engravings can:

• Decrease value for purists seeking pristine, unaltered pieces
• Increase historical interest for those seeking provenance and personal stories
• Indicate the medal was likely a membership or award piece with unique historical significance

Does anyone else see some linked rings that MIGHT suggest an Odd Fellows connection? Perhaps a membership pocket piece?

Manufacturing Method: Cast vs. Struck

The forum discussion suggests your medal might be cast rather than struck. This distinction is crucial:

• Struck medals: Created by pressing metal between dies, typically more valuable due to sharper detail
• Cast medals: Created by pouring molten metal into molds, often less valuable but can have unique characteristics and appeal to certain collectors

Comparative Analysis: The Dieges & Clust Connection

The medal shows similarities to the 1915 Dieges & Clust Washington medal, but with notable differences:

• Different reverse design (blank vs. detailed) suggesting a different manufacturer or purpose
• Possible different manufacturer indicated by the uniface design
• Unique engraving adds personalization that could increase historical interest

Authentication Tips for Collectors

Professional Examination

For serious collectors, consider:

• Professional grading services (PCGS, NGC) for authentication and condition assessment
• Metallurgical testing for composition verification to confirm silver content
• High-resolution photography for detailed analysis of potential errors or varieties

DIY Authentication Steps

Before seeking professional help, try:

1. Magnification examination for die cracks and doubling using proper numismatic tools
2. Weight measurement compared to known standards for the suspected composition
3. Magnetic testing for silver content (silver is not magnetic)
4. Edge inspection for seam lines indicating casting rather than striking

Value Guide: What Your Medal Might Be Worth

Factors Affecting Value

Consider these elements when estimating worth:

• Metal composition (silver vs. base metal) and its impact on intrinsic value
• Condition and preservation, including luster and strike quality
• Presence of errors or varieties that could increase numismatic value
• Historical significance of the engraving and its provenance
• Manufacturer and rarity in the current market

Estimated Value Ranges

Based on the information available:

• Common cast version: $20-$50 for basic collector interest
• Silver version without errors: $100-$300 for metal value plus collectibility
• Struck version with minor errors: $300-$800 for numismatic premium
• Significant double die or rare variety: $1,000+ for serious collectors seeking rarities

Preservation and Care

Proper Handling

To maintain your medal’s condition and preserve its value:

• Always handle by edges to avoid fingerprints and potential damage
• Avoid cleaning, which can damage patina and reduce eye appeal
• Store in archival-quality holders to prevent environmental damage
• Keep away from humidity and extreme temperatures to prevent toning

Documentation

Keep records of:

• Provenance and history, including the Harry Eisman engraving
• Authentication results from professional services
• Professional appraisals for insurance purposes
• Photographs documenting condition over time

Conclusion: The Joy of Discovery

Your George Washington 1917 medal represents more than just a piece of metal – it’s a window into early 20th century American commemorative art and potentially a valuable collectible. Whether it turns out to be a common piece or a rare error variety, the process of examination and discovery is what makes coin and medal collecting so rewarding.

The next time you encounter a seemingly ordinary medal or coin, remember: those tiny details – the die cracks, the doubled letters, the unusual mint marks – could be hiding a treasure worth far more than face value. Happy hunting, and may your numismatic journey be filled with exciting discoveries!

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• The Hidden History Behind the 1917 George Washington Medal – A Relic of America’s Centennial Celebrations Every relic tells a story. To understand this George Washington medal…
• The Real Market Value of a 1917 George Washington Medal: What Collectors Need to Know – Introduction: Beyond the Price Guide To uncover this medal’s true worth, we must look beyond catalog values and fe…
• Smart Buying Guide: How to Buy Peace Dollars with Luster – Old Girlfriends Without Getting Ripped Off – Introduction: The Enduring Charm of Peace Dollars Ready to welcome one of these American classics into your collection? …