1875 White Metal Medal Baker-292D, Magna Est Veritas

Coin Details

Auction Record

$240 MS62 08-24-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1875 medal Baker-292D in white metal bears the Latin inscription "Magna Est Veritas" (Great Is The Truth), drawn from 3 Esdras 4:41. The use of Latin on Washington medals was common in the nineteenth century, reflecting classical education and the deliberate association of American republicanism with Roman ideals. Baker-292D is a specific variant within the Baker-292 series. The "Magna Est Veritas" motto attributed truth as a cardinal virtue to Washington's character, reinforcing the narrative of unimpeachable honesty established in part by Parson Weems's famous cherry tree anecdote. White metal was the standard composition for philosophical and commemorative medals intended for broad distribution rather than presentation purposes. The production of Washington medals engaged some of the most skilled medalists in American history, from the official U.S. Mint engravers who created congressional medals to private die cutters producing commercial commemoratives.

Rarity Notes

Baker-292D in white metal. The Magna Est Veritas design has multiple metallic variants.

Cross References

Baker-292D; PCGS #615238; Magna Est Veritas