27mm. Dies by Christian Gobrecht; original impression with first intended date of February 22, 1836. The ceremony was delayed until March 23, and the date was later changed on the die. Two varieties of this medal were identified by R.W. Julian in Medals of the United States Mint. This example is one of the samples struck after dies were prepared, in anticipation of the ceremony on Washington's birthday. As the new steam press failed to operate properly, the ceremony introducing this new technology was delayed until March 23, 1836. The dies were altered with the new date, MAR. 23, punched over the existing FEB. 22 date. These early strikes with the original date are considered much rarer then those with altered dates. This is a well circulated example of this medal and was either carried by someone as a pocket piece, or actually saw use in commerce!From our sale of the Eliasberg Collection, April 1997, part of lot 3038.