(1876) Silver Medal GW-880, Union Forever

Coin Details

Auction Record

$56 NGC Genuine 10-16-2023 eBay

Description

This silver medal cataloged as GW-880 bears the patriotic inscription "Union Forever," produced circa 1876. The "Union Forever" slogan, which had been a rallying cry during the Civil War, took on commemorative rather than combative meaning by the centennial year. The pairing of Washington's portrait with "Union Forever" during the centennial celebration suggested that the Union's survival through the Civil War was the fulfillment of Washington's founding vision — a powerful message during a period when Reconstruction was still ongoing and national reconciliation remained incomplete. The silver composition indicates this was a premium commemorative intended for serious collectors or presentation purposes. Silver centennial medals are significantly rarer than white metal or bronze versions due to higher production costs and smaller original quantities. The GW-880 catalog number places this within the centennial subset of the Washington medal series.

Rarity Notes

GW-880, silver. Union Forever centennial medal. Premium silver striking. Scarce.

Cross References

PCGS #909855; GW-880; Union Forever, silver