1884 Bronze Medal GW-1015, Armory Dedication

Coin Details

Auction Record

$384 MS66 11-18-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1884 medal GW-1015 in bronze commemorates an Armory Dedication, the opening of a National Guard or militia armory building. Armory dedications were significant civic events in the 1880s, as cities across the United States constructed imposing armory buildings to house their militia units. Washington's portrait on an armory dedication medal connected the contemporary militia tradition to the founding generation's citizen-soldier ideal. The 1884 date places this medal one year after the major Evacuation centennial celebrations of 1883. Bronze composition indicates standard commemorative production for the dedication ceremony. Armory dedication medals are documented in the Musante-Baker catalog when they bear Washington's portrait, connecting military civic architecture to the broader tradition of Washington commemoration.

Rarity Notes

Bronze. Armory Dedication medal. Limited production for the dedication event.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-1015; PCGS #660422; Armory Dedication 1884