1797 George Washington Funerary Medal

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Author	Replies: 9 / Views: 1,809
Jim0815 Pillar of the Community United States 5239 Posts	Posted 01/08/2019 09:12 am This was gifted to me about forty years ago when I was a young man and thought it was pretty neat and have had it in a felt lined box with other items since. I just recently pulled a few items out and as I am much older now thought I would share this with others. I believe this is a funerary medal with a crudely made hole and was crudely punched out. The reverse side is exactly the same as the side pictured but is very worn on that side. It shows 1789 1st President USA 1797 around the top and GEORGE WASHINGTON at the bottom. Report this Post to the Staff

thisistheshow Pillar of the Community United States 987 Posts	Posted 01/08/2019 09:59 am I like that medal. Very nice. Do you know the age or composition? Report this Post to the Staff
Jim0815 Pillar of the Community United States 5239 Posts	Posted 01/08/2019 10:17 am As far as age, I honestly do not know. I want to assume that it is old. Metal composition is some type of crude steel, it is magnetic but not with an extremely strong pull. Under magnification it almost appears to have flecks of copper in it. The one pic of the rim it appears there. Report this Post to the Staff
thisistheshow Pillar of the Community United States 987 Posts	Posted 01/08/2019 10:41 am Interesting. I would be curious if anyone knows any more info. Either way, it is a very nice medal IMO. I consider GW so fascinating historically that anything like this is very good to have. Report this Post to the Staff
Jim0815 Pillar of the Community United States 5239 Posts	Posted 01/08/2019 10:52 am Thank you. Report this Post to the Staff
Pistareen Valued Member United States 309 Posts	Posted 01/08/2019 11:06 am I think it is a 20th century item, probably from the bicentennial of Washington's birth that was carried as a pocket piece starting in the 1930s. Why does it have the date 1797? I want to associate it with a remembrance in 1897 or 1937. Since it says "1st" president we can rule out 18th century manufacture, and it does not appear in Neil Musante's excellent books on "Medallic Washington" which pictures GW medals to 1890. You might want to put it on a ribbon and wear it on the 4th of July. Report this Post to the Staff
thisistheshow Pillar of the Community United States 987 Posts	Posted 01/08/2019 11:18 am Quote: Neil Musante's excellent books on "Medallic Washington" I have found something new. Thank you. Report this Post to the Staff
Jim0815 Pillar of the Community United States 5239 Posts	Posted 01/08/2019 11:23 am Thank you, Pistorene! I learned something new today. Report this Post to the Staff
jbuck Moderator United States 188213 Posts	Posted 01/08/2019 11:58 am Very nice! Coin Collector Since 1978 Avatar Old Avatar 7070 Eisenhower Australia Canada World CCF Members on eBay CCF eBay Search Engine Report this Post to the Staff
IndianGoldEagle Bedrock of the Community United States 36741 Posts	Posted 01/09/2019 11:30 am Great piece of history! Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 9 / Views: 1,809

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