1790 Silver Medal GW-10 - The Manly Medal

Coin Details

Auction Record

$48,000 • AU55 • 01-2014 • Heritage Auctions

Description

Cataloged as Baker 61A and Musante GW-10, the silver Manly Medal of 1790 is one of the most celebrated and prestigious pieces in the entire Washington medal series. Named for Captain Thomas Manly of the Continental Army who proposed the commemorative, this medal honors Washington with a portrait obverse and a reverse commemorating the British evacuation of Boston on March 17, 1776 — one of the earliest significant American military victories of the Revolutionary War. The silver composition indicates a premium striking intended for presentation to distinguished officials, military officers, or Washington himself, as silver medals in this period were reserved for recipients of the highest status. The Manly Medal design is recognized for its artistic quality, with a sensitive portrait of Washington on the obverse and a reverse scene or inscription referencing the liberation of Boston from British occupation after the Continental Army's strategic placement of cannons on Dorchester Heights forced General Howe to withdraw his forces. Extremely rare in silver, the Manly Medal occupies a position of particular importance among Washington medals because it combines historical significance (commemorating a specific military event), artistic merit (a well-executed portrait), and extreme rarity (very few silver examples survive). Among the most valuable and sought-after Washington medals in any composition, silver Manly Medals represent the apex of 18th-century American commemorative medallic art.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Silver Manly Medals are among the rarest Washington medals.

Cross References

Baker 61A; Musante GW-10