(1884) Copper Medal GW-972, Walla Walla Chapter No. 1

Coin Details

Description

This copper medal, cataloged as GW-972, was produced circa 1884 for the Walla Walla Chapter No. 1 of a Masonic or patriotic fraternal organization. Washington's deep involvement with Freemasonry made his image a natural choice for lodge and chapter medals throughout the nineteenth century. Washington was initiated into Freemasonry at the Fredericksburg Lodge in Virginia in 1752 and remained an active Mason throughout his life, serving as Worshipful Master of Alexandria Lodge No. 22. The Walla Walla, Washington location of this chapter reflects the westward expansion of fraternal organizations during the late nineteenth century, as lodges established in frontier territories adopted Washington's image as a symbol of both Masonic brotherhood and national identity. The copper composition and the GW-972 catalog number place this among the numerous fraternal chapter medals produced during the 1880s, when Masonic and other fraternal organizations were at the peak of their membership and cultural influence. Chapter medals served as badges of membership, commemorations of special events, and tokens of fraternal solidarity.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Chapter-specific fraternal medals were produced in very limited quantities for local distribution. The Walla Walla Chapter No. 1 variety is seldom encountered in the general numismatic market.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-972; PCGS #931648