(1859) Brass Medal GW-254, Reeded Edge Seige of Boston

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,140 MS63 11-18-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

This brass medal cataloged as GW-254 with reeded edge commemorates the Siege of Boston, one of the opening campaigns of the American Revolution when Continental forces under George Washington besieged British-held Boston from April 1775 through March 1776. Washington's strategic placement of artillery on Dorchester Heights, using cannons transported from Fort Ticonderoga by Henry Knox, forced the British evacuation on March 17, 1776 — a pivotal early victory that demonstrated the Continental Army could challenge professional British forces. This circa 1859 brass version is one of multiple metal compositions struck from these dies, with the brass providing a gold-like appearance at modest cost. The Siege of Boston was the subject of one of the earliest Congressional medals, the Comitia Americana "Washington Before Boston" gold medal authorized in 1776, and this later commercial medal draws on that tradition of honoring Washington's first major triumph as commander-in-chief. The reeded edge adds to the coin-like presentation of this collector piece.

Rarity Notes

GW-254, brass with reeded edge. Siege of Boston theme. Moderate scarcity.

Cross References

PCGS #788481; GW-254; Siege of Boston, brass