 Eccleston Medal, 1805. Bronze, 75.8mm, 4.5mm at rims. Baker 85. By Thomas Webb for Daniel Eccleston. Choice About Uncirculated on the cusp of Mint State. Obv. Large armored Washington bust r., spot in the right field. Rev. Legend in four concentric lines lauding Washington and lamenting loss of Indians' land, combining two of Quaker eccentric Eccleston's fervent interests. Light reflective brown with much faded red.
Lancaster merchant Eccleston issued 18th century Lancaster Halfpence with his portrait. He travelled freely among New York Indian tribes and was Washington's guest at Mount Vernon. He lived to write a refutation of his own obituary, which had appeared in English newspapers rather prematurely. This Washington medal was in no sense satirical as occasionally stated. The armor was a European medalist's shorthand for a victorious General and his sincere praise of Washington in no way lessened his concern for aboriginal rights.
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