(1789) Bronze Medal GW-38, Twigg Medal

Coin Details

Description

The Twigg Medal, cataloged as GW-38 in the Musante-Baker reference, is a bronze medal struck circa 1789 commemorating George Washington's inauguration as the first President of the United States. The medal takes its name from its engraver or issuer, Twigg, and belongs to the earliest wave of medallic tributes produced in the aftermath of Washington's April 30, 1789 inauguration at Federal Hall in New York City. The obverse features a portrait of Washington in civilian dress, reflecting the deliberate choice to emphasize his role as a republican leader rather than a military commander. The reverse carries patriotic inscriptions celebrating the new constitutional government and the unity of the thirteen states under Washington's leadership. As one of the earliest inaugural medals, GW-38 occupies an important position in the chronology of Washington numismatics, predating the more formalized medallic programs that would develop in subsequent decades. The piece represents the spontaneous outpouring of public enthusiasm for Washington's presidency, produced privately rather than by any governmental authority. Bronze examples survive in modest numbers, with most showing evidence of contemporary circulation or handling consistent with pieces that were carried or displayed as tokens of political allegiance during the formative years of the republic.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Bronze examples appear infrequently at auction. As an early inaugural piece from 1789, surviving specimens are valued both numismatically and historically.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-38; PCGS #926018