1859 Bronze Medal GW-240, Washington Cabinet

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,620 SP66 11-18-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1859 bronze medal GW-240 commemorates the Washington Cabinet at the United States Mint in Philadelphia. The Mint Cabinet was the forerunner of the National Numismatic Collection (now at the Smithsonian Institution) and served as a public museum displaying coins, medals, and other numismatic objects from the earliest days of the republic. The collection was a source of considerable pride for Mint officials, who viewed it as both a record of American monetary history and a showcase for the Mint's artistic capabilities. The Washington Cabinet medal was produced to commemorate or promote the Mint's collection of Washington-related medals, coins, and memorabilia, which formed one of the Cabinet's most popular exhibits. Visitors to the Philadelphia Mint could view the collection during regular public hours, and the Mint produced commemorative medals like GW-240 for sale to visitors as souvenirs. The bronze composition indicates a standard commemorative issue intended for sale to Mint visitors and collectors. The 1859 date places this medal in a period of growing public interest in numismatics, when coin collecting was transitioning from an aristocratic hobby to a broader pursuit. The Mint Cabinet played an important role in stimulating this interest by making its collections accessible to ordinary citizens who visited the Philadelphia facility.

Rarity Notes

Bronze Mint Cabinet commemorative. Produced for sale at the Philadelphia Mint. Quantities were limited by visitor traffic and collector demand.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-240; PCGS #568463; Washington Cabinet, U.S. Mint