1784 Bronze Medal J-UN-23, Peale's Museum

Coin Details

Description

This 1784 bronze medal, cataloged as Julian UN-23, commemorates Peale's Museum in Philadelphia, founded by Charles Willson Peale — the foremost portrait painter of the Revolutionary generation who painted George Washington from life. The museum housed natural history specimens, scientific instruments, and portraits of Revolutionary heroes, becoming the first public museum in the United States. Located in Independence Hall, the museum combined art, science, and education. The Julian catalog designation places this among U.S. Mint-related medals. Peale's most famous exhibit was the exhumed mastodon skeleton displayed beginning in 1801. Museum collections of American medals at the Smithsonian, American Numismatic Society, and regional historical societies provide essential reference material for researchers studying material culture and commemorative practices. This medal documents one of the most important cultural institutions of the early republic.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Julian UN-23. Peale's Museum medals are of interest to art history and Revolutionary-era collectors.

Cross References

PCGS #523905; Julian UN-23; Peale's Museum; Charles Willson Peale; Philadelphia; 1784