(1789) Bronze Medal GW-09-P2, "MCCLXXVI"

Coin Details

Auction Record

$15,600 AU Details 04-03-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

This bronze medal, cataloged as GW-09-P2, bears the Roman numeral date MCCLXXVI (1776) and was produced circa 1789. The combination of the 1776 reference with the circa 1789 production date connects the Declaration of Independence with Washington's inauguration, linking the two foundational events of the American republic on a single medallic piece. The P2 designation indicates this is the second die pairing or variety within the GW-09 catalog entry, distinguished from other die combinations by specific design or die-state characteristics. The Roman numeral date MCCLXXVI emphasizes the classical republican ideals that the founding generation consciously adopted, drawing parallels between the American experiment and the ancient Roman republic. This medal belongs to the earliest period of Washington commemorative medal production, when the newly inaugurated president was the subject of intense public adulation and commercial interest. Bronze medals from this period are scarce, as production runs were small and many pieces were subsequently lost to circulation, melting, or simple neglect during the two centuries since their creation.

Rarity Notes

Scarce to rare. The GW-09-P2 variety is an early and historically significant piece that appears infrequently. Examples in good condition are particularly difficult to locate.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-09-P2; PCGS #928788