(1859) Bronze Medal GW-244, Reeded Edge Cogan, Birth & Death

Coin Details

Auction Record

$180 MS61 08-22-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

This bronze medal cataloged as GW-244 with reeded edge was produced circa 1859 by George N. Cogan and commemorates the birth and death of George Washington. The obverse features a portrait of Washington with his birth date (February 22, 1732) and death date (December 14, 1799), while the reverse carries memorial or patriotic imagery. Cogan was a Philadelphia numismatist, medal dealer, and die sinker active during the mid-nineteenth century who produced numerous Washington-themed medals and tokens for the collector market. The reeded edge treatment gives this piece a more finished, coin-like appearance compared to plain-edge specimens. The late 1850s saw a surge in Washington commemorative production as the centennial of the American Revolution approached and national identity was being reasserted in the face of growing sectional tensions. Bronze was the preferred medium for collector medals of this era, offering durability and fine detail reproduction at modest cost.

Rarity Notes

GW-244, bronze with reeded edge. Cogan issue. Moderate scarcity typical of mid-19th century collector medals.

Cross References

PCGS #883418; GW-244; Cogan Birth & Death medal