Owner Comments:
Continuing mystery surrounds the origin and symbolism related to the Georgivs Triumpho Tokens (hereinafter referred to as GT). The year 1783 displayed on this
token is common to other Washington pieces, as this was the year the Treaty of Paris was signed, officially ending the American Revolutionary War. This does not mean however, that the piece was actually struck in that year. In fact, the GT is the only Washington token, dated 1783, that was struck in the 1780s, and circulated during the Confederation Period. All the rest are commemoratives produced during the 19th century, and backdated.
Some evidence exists that the GTs were not minted until later in the 1780s: The reverse features an effigy of Britannia or Liberty standing in what appears to be a square hot air balloon gondola. A basket of this specific design was not first used in England until 1784. The GT's date numerals are identical in form and spacing to those used on a Nova Constellatio copper (Crosby 1-A), probably struck in 1785. Some 1787 and 1788 New Jersey coppers were struck over GTs used as planchets. A notable example is a 1787 Maris 73-aa New Jersey copper showing distinct evidence of a GT beneath.
Although the obverse profile was probably intended to depict George Washington, (who had triumphed in the Revolutionary War, and hence the peripheral legend "Triumpho", meaning "I Triumph), the laureated likeness more closely resembles that of King George III. Washington's physical appearance became much more familiar to the public after he became President, and as a result of his efforts to promote the Constitution. Before that time however, it is unlikely that a bust or painting was available to the engraver of the GT pieces. As a result, the profile used may have been, by convenience, a generic one of George III, based upon his appearance on the Irish Coppers of 1775 - 1782.
The token's reverse displays a figure of Britannia or Liberty standing in or behind what has variously been viewed as a 13 posted or barred gate, weaving, cage, or hot air balloon basket. It would be far easier to identify the allegorical figure if the head of the pole she is holding did not extend off the token. If a full spear or trident were visible, Britannia was intended. If a Phrygian cap topped the pole, the effigy, also holding a laurel sprig, would be that of Liberty. The fleur-de-lis appearing at each corner of the basket may have been in recognition of France's financial aid and support to America during the Revolutionary War. The 13 uprights represent the number of original colonies. One of many alternative interpretations of the reverse symbolism was that of Paul Bosco, a medal dealer, who sees the defeated Britannia imprisoned behind a 13 bar cage with the help of the French. Others have focused on the hot air balloon aspect, since their first use, by the Montgolfier Brothers, occurred about this time. Interestingly, the reverse's peripheral legend "Voce Popoli", meaning the people's voice, is in Italian, rather than the expected Latin.
The 1783 GT token pictured above, is designated Baker 7, and has been graded AU 55 by PCGS, with a CAC sticker affixed. These tokens featured the first depiction of George Washington on a circulating coin or token. The GTs were made in quantity, possibly in Birmingham, England, for circulation both in England and America. Virtually all show some signs of wear.
The tokens made their initial appearance in Georgia, possibly brought to Savannah by an English importer. Others have suggested other southern venues: Virginia, Jamaica; and with actual medal detectorist land finds in Florida and South Carolina.