1859 Medal GW-240, J-MT-22 Silver Washington Cabinet

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,020 SP64 11-18-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1859 medal GW-240 / Julian MT-22 in silver is the precious-metal version of the Washington Cabinet medal from the United States Mint. The dual cataloging — Musante-Baker GW-240 in the Washington medal series and Julian MT-22 in the Mint and Treasury medal series — reflects this piece's significance in both collecting fields. Silver strikings of Mint Cabinet medals were produced in very limited quantities, typically for presentation to Mint officials, visiting dignitaries, or prominent collectors. The Julian MT (Mint and Treasury) classification system provides an alternative framework for organizing U.S. Mint-produced medals by their institutional context rather than by subject matter. The MT-22 designation places this piece within the broader catalog of medals produced by or for the Mint's own use, including Cabinet commemoratives, employee recognition pieces, and official presentation medals. Silver Washington Cabinet medals are among the scarcest products of the nineteenth-century U.S. Mint's medallic program. The silver composition and limited production make this a desirable piece for advanced collectors of both Washingtoniana and U.S. Mint medals. The 1859 date places it in the final years before the Civil War, when the Mint's Cabinet was at the height of its prestige as a public institution.

Rarity Notes

Silver composition. Very limited production. Silver Mint Cabinet medals are scarce and sought after. The dual GW-240 / Julian MT-22 cataloging reflects cross-field collecting interest.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-240; Julian MT-22; PCGS #568464; Washington Cabinet, U.S. Mint