(1888) White Metal Medal GW-1060, P.O.S.A. Public School

Coin Details

Auction Record

$74 SP62 08-22-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

This white metal medal cataloged as GW-1060 was issued circa 1888 by the Patriotic Order Sons of America (P.O.S.A.) with a "Public School" theme. The P.O.S.A. was a patriotic fraternal organization founded in 1847 that advocated for American values including public education, immigration restriction, and the separation of church and state. The organization used Washington's portrait as a symbol of the American patriotism they promoted. The "Public School" theme reflects the P.O.S.A.'s strong advocacy for the public school system as a vehicle for Americanization and civic education. Washington was frequently invoked by public education advocates who argued that an informed citizenry — as Washington himself had advocated — required universal public schooling. The white metal composition made this medal affordable for broad distribution among P.O.S.A. members and at public events promoting their educational agenda. This medal documents the intersection of patriotic organizing, educational advocacy, and Washington's enduring symbolic authority.

Rarity Notes

GW-1060, white metal. P.O.S.A. Public School theme. Fraternal organization issue. Moderate scarcity.

Cross References

PCGS #883450; GW-1060; P.O.S.A. Public School, white metal