1795 Washington Liberty and Security PCGS MS64 RB, Breen 1254, D&H 243. This colonial penny token has a full strike with sharp, distinct details. The highpoints are Washingtons epaulets and curls. The high wire rims are irregular, which are always seen. The surfaces are smooth, hard, and free of flaws with much original mint red remaining.

The undated token shows a military bust of George Washington facing left. GEORGE WASHINGTON. is in an arc at the top half of the coin. An eagle with frog-like legs sits atop a shield on the reverse. It holds an olive branch and arrows in its talons. The shield has 15 vertical stripes on the left and 15 stars arranged in a triangular pattern on the right. The legend LIBERTY AND SECURITY is in an arc around the top, interrupted by the wing tips. The edge is lettered AN ASYLUM FOR THE OPPRESSED OF ALL NATIONS.

Many tokens were issued during the period of 1783 to 1800 which had the likeness of George Washington. Most are in circulated condition indicating that they were used for money. Several have the weight and size of the penny and half penny of the time, and most are made of copper. The present coin is one of the Washington Series of Middlesex tokens. It was designed by Thomas Wyon and made in Birmingham, England by Kempson & Sons. Despite Washingtons rejection of coinage with a presidential portrait, the English token makers felt that they might be able to win a contract to manufacture coins for the new country. This feeling was enhanced when they heard that the mint in Philadelphia was having trouble and might be abolished by Congress. Large quantities of sample penny tokens were exported to the United States as samples. Many circulated in this country as cents, and survivors come in a wide range of conditions. Most of the uncirculated pieces come from British sources.

This coin is an important piece for the advanced Colonial or Washington specialist.