1864 Bronze Medal GW-723, Washington & Flags-Lincoln

Coin Details

Description

The 1864 bronze medal GW-723 depicts Washington paired with flags and Abraham Lincoln, creating a visual link between the first and sixteenth presidents during the Civil War. The Washington-and-Flags motif combined with Lincoln's portrait made this medal a powerful statement of Union continuity — asserting that Lincoln's wartime presidency was a direct continuation of Washington's founding mission. The pairing of Washington and Lincoln on medallic art became common during the Civil War, as Lincoln's supporters sought to legitimize the wartime president by association with the universally revered founder. This visual rhetoric was particularly important during the contentious 1864 presidential election. Medals like GW-723 served as implicit campaign material. Bronze composition indicates standard commemorative production. Civil War-era medals pairing Washington and Lincoln form a recognized subcategory within both Washingtoniana and Lincolniana.

Rarity Notes

Bronze. Washington-Lincoln paired medals are collected in both Washingtoniana and Lincolniana fields.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-723; PCGS #967502; Washington & Lincoln pairing