1884 White Metal Medal GW-1015, Armory Dedication

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,200 SP64 11-18-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1884 medal GW-1015 in white metal is the white metal version of the Armory Dedication medal, produced for broader distribution than the bronze version. White metal versions were typically sold or distributed to attendees at the dedication ceremony. The white metal composition made this dedication souvenir accessible to a wider audience than the bronze version. Both versions preserve the same design connecting Washington's military legacy to the contemporary militia tradition. White metal examples from armory dedications are uncommon outside of specialized collections, as these events generated only modest quantities of commemorative items compared to major centennial celebrations. Washington medals have been collected since the early nineteenth century, when numismatists first recognized the extraordinary variety of pieces bearing the first president's likeness as a coherent and historically significant collecting area.

Rarity Notes

White metal. Armory Dedication companion piece to bronze.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-1015; PCGS #788512; Armory Dedication 1884