(1800) Medal Washington Funeral Skull, Gold, GW-71A

Coin Details

Auction Record

$372,000 MS63 08-20-2023 Heritage Auctions

Description

An extraordinarily rare gold funeral medal cataloged as Musante GW-71A, featuring a skull motif and produced circa 1800 to commemorate Washington's death. The skull, a traditional memento mori symbol, represents the stark reality of mortality and was a common element in eighteenth-century funerary art and jewelry. On this medal, the skull serves as a powerful reminder that even the greatest of men — the Father of His Country — was subject to death. The gold composition elevates this piece far above the common tin and copper funeral tokens, indicating it was either a special presentation piece, produced for a wealthy mourner, or created as an elite collector's item. Musante GW-71A designates this specific variety within the broader funeral medal series, with the "A" suffix indicating a specific die marriage or variant. Gold funeral medals for Washington are among the rarest and most valuable pieces in all of Washingtonia, combining precious metal content with profound historical significance. Gold, medium format.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Gold funeral medals for Washington are virtually unique and represent the pinnacle of Washingtonia funerary numismatics.

Cross References

Musante GW-71A; Baker catalog (related); Julian-related