George Washington, the first President of the United States, joins Lincoln with a new, shaped silver coin from Precious Metal Collectors

Back in February, Precious Metal Collectors (PMC) issued a very realistic portrayal of Abraham Lincoln, struck to a high-relief in two ounces of silver. The likeness was quite extraordinary given the medium, and we’re pleased to see that PMC are continuing the concept, with the release of the first US President, George Washington, in the same style.

As with the Lincoln coin, the likeness of George Washington is uncanny in its accuracy, taking full advantage of the high relief available to create a realistic portrayal of the man, or at least as realistic as the source material allows, in this case, an 1803 painting by Gilbert Stuart. Again, the antique-finish works really well, and everything from the hair to the clothing is spot-on.

The obverse is inscribed with the coin title and the issue details, along with the coat-of-arms of the Republic of Chad. The packaging is neat, and features the original portrait of Washington that inspired the coin’s design. The mintage is set at 355 pieces, apparently in reference to a female spy – codenamed Agent 355 – who was part of a network called the Culper Ring, that aided the revolutionaries. A fine release that history buffs will no doubt find very appealing. If anyone from PMC is reading, how about a Winston Churchill one?

MINTS DESCRIPTION

George Washington was a complicated man who many historians have tried to summarize in simple ways. He was a slave owner, but he also believed in assimilating others into the culture that was being created in the fledgling country he helped to build. He was a military hero, but also a man who would have been happy just being a farmer for all of his life. Washington has long served as an example of a politician and leader by necessity, a cornerstone concept within American society with its citizen military. Washington has long been revered as the first and possibly the best of the American presidents, and his legacy can be felt even today in the United States.

George Washington’s image was popular starting in 1775. This was the year that he was named the commander in chief of the continental army and became a symbol of hope for the fledgling nation just trying to spread its wings. This famous portrait was done by Gilbert Stuart, and it remains one of the most famous representations of the man who helped make the formation of the United States a reality. Stuart made many renderings of the United States’ first president, and these images helped secure the foothold that he needed to be a successful painter.

SPECIFICATION
DENOMINATION 10,000 Francs CFA (Chad)
COMPOSITION 0.999 silver
WEIGHT 62.2 grams
DIMENSIONS 30.0 x 50.0 mm
FINISH Antique
MODIFICATIONS Ultra high-relief
MINTAGE 355
BOX / C.O.A. Yes / Yes