George Washington Commemorative Token (Holed)

This is a circular, brass-toned commemorative token depicting George Washington. The token features a profile bust of George Washington facing right, wearing a wig with a queue tied at the back. Around the top edge, the inscription reads "1789 1ST PRESID'T. U.S.A. 1797", indicating his presidential terms. Along the bottom edge, it states "GEORGE WASHINGTON". The overall design is classic and historical, consistent with typical presidential commemorative pieces. The token appears to be made of a base metal, likely brass or a brass alloy, given its yellowish-gold color and the lack of high-luster typical of more precious metals. A notable feature is a small, circular hole drilled near the top center of the token, positioned between the words "PRESID'T." and "U.S.A.". This hole suggests it was intended to be worn as a pendant, attached to a chain, or used as a keychain. The surface shows signs of age and handling, including a somewhat dulled finish and areas of darkening that suggest a natural patina. There are no obvious deep scratches, dents, or significant damage, but the details, while still legible, are not as crisp as a newly minted item. The craftsmanship is utilitarian, typical of mass-produced commemorative items rather than fine numismatic pieces. Its condition indicates moderate wear consistent with years of existence and possibly light use.

I have visually examined this George Washington Commemorative Token via the provided image. The token is consistent with a mass-produced brass-toned commemorative item from the late 19th or early 20th century. Authenticity as a period commemorative token appears plausible, though I must stress that definitive authentication beyond visual confirmation is not possible from an image alone. An in-person examination would be required to verify the metal composition, strike quality, and detect any potential modern reproductions. The condition is utilitarian. The details are legible but lack crispness, indicating moderate wear. The dulled finish and areas of darkening suggest a natural patina, consistent with age and handling. The most significant factor impacting its value is the drilled hole at the top. While this suggests its intended use as a pendant or keychain, it is considered damage in numismatic terms, significantly lowering its collectible appeal and value compared to an unholed example. Market conditions for such common commemorative tokens are generally low. Comparables for holed, base-metal commemorative tokens of common historical figures typically range from a few dollars to fifteen dollars. Demand for these items is modest, primarily from novice collectors or individuals seeking decorative historical pieces. Rarity is not a factor here; these tokens were produced in large quantities. Key factors significantly impacting value are the common nature of the item, the base metal composition, and the presence of the hole. For full authentication and to rule out any modern fabrications, I would need to perform an in-hand inspection to assess weight, dimensions, specific metal tests (e.g., XRF analysis), and a detailed comparison of strike characteristics with known genuine examples. Provenance documentation would also add significant weight to its historical authenticity.