(1871) Lead Medal GW-815, Metropolitan Carnival

Coin Details

Auction Record

$192 AU Details 11-18-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

This lead medal cataloged as GW-815 commemorates the Metropolitan Carnival, produced circa 1871. Metropolitan carnivals and festivals were major social events in post-Civil War American cities, combining entertainment, commerce, and civic celebration. Washington's portrait on the carnival medal lent patriotic dignity to what was essentially a festive commercial event, a practice common throughout the nineteenth century when Washington's image was used to legitimize and elevate all manner of public gatherings. The lead composition indicates this was either an inexpensive souvenir for carnival attendees or a trial striking for a medal later produced in higher-quality metals. Lead medals from public events have relatively low survival rates because they were treated as disposable souvenirs rather than collectible items. The GW-815 catalog number documents this piece within the broader Washington medal series, where it represents the intersection of Washingtoniana with American popular culture and public entertainment.

Rarity Notes

GW-815, lead. Metropolitan Carnival souvenir. Lead composition and ephemeral nature make survivors scarce.

Cross References

PCGS #826401; GW-815; Metropolitan Carnival, lead