George Washington Coin

I beleive its a Washington Medal not a coin. I will have to do some research to find out more. I am sure some of the members will be along and identify it soon. If not I will let you know what I find.

What determines a coin from a medal? Do coins have to be currency to be considered a coin? Were the earlier presidents' medals produced at earlier times? I have no ide how old it is but from the looks it must be pretty old. Could just be becasue I found it while excavating an area in my yard, I'm sure dirt does some damage as well.

Simply put:

A "coin" is a metallic object issued by a government for use as currency. Normally (particularly in modern times) it will bear a mark of value eg. "one dollar".

A "token" is a similar object, made for use as currency (normally in a limited sense) but issued by private concerns rather than the government.

A "medal" is a similar object, normally of a commemorative nature, not intended for use as currency. It may be issued by either government or private concerns.

This old thread seems to have medals from the same series, fifth and sixth pictures down in the original post, featuring Presidents Truman and McKinley.