(1834) Silvered Copper Medal GW-142, Lafayette Par Nobile Fratrum

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,560 PR65 06-17-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

This silvered copper medal, cataloged as GW-142, features the inscription "Par Nobile Fratrum" (A Noble Pair of Brothers) honoring Washington and Lafayette, produced circa 1834. The silvered copper composition combines the affordability of a copper base with the bright appearance of a silver surface, achieved through chemical or electrochemical silvering processes. This medal celebrates the legendary friendship between Washington and the young Marquis de Lafayette, who arrived in America in 1777 at age nineteen and served without pay as a volunteer in Washington's army. Their relationship transcended military alliance to become a genuine father-son bond, with Washington serving as mentor and surrogate parent to the orphaned French nobleman. The "Par Nobile Fratrum" inscription, borrowed from Horace, elevates their bond to classical literary status. The circa 1834 date places this medal shortly after Lafayette's death in May 1834, which prompted an outpouring of memorial tributes in both France and America. The GW-142 catalog number positions this as a distinct variety from the GW-144 bronze version, with the silvered finish and potentially different die characteristics.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Silvered copper examples retain varying amounts of their original surface treatment. Specimens with strong silvering and clear details are uncommon.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-142; PCGS #850162