(1888) White Metal Medal Rulau GA-Sa-15, Sergeant Jasper Savannah

Coin Details

Description

White metal souvenir medal from Savannah, Georgia, commemorating Sergeant William Jasper (c.1750–1779), a Revolutionary War hero famous for rescuing the regimental flag during the Battle of Fort Moultrie (1776). The Sergt. Jasper Monument in Madison Square, Savannah, was dedicated on November 19, 1879. The United States Mint's medal program has produced pieces honoring military heroes, presidents, Native American leaders, scientific achievements, and significant national events since the earliest days of the republic. The U.S. Mint's medal program operates under different legislative authority than its coinage program, which has historically given medal designers somewhat greater artistic freedom in composition and imagery. Bronze duplicates of Congressional Gold Medals provide collectors access to the same designs as the original gold presentations at a fraction of the cost, democratizing ownership of pieces that recognize the nation's highest civilian achievements. This medal celebrates local patriotic pride in Savannah's Revolutionary War heritage.

Rarity Notes

Scarce nineteenth-century token in white metal. White metal examples are often encountered with surface oxidation or pitting from the alloy's susceptibility to environmental tarnish; choice examples with original surface intact are more collectible than the grades typically seen. The Rulau catalog documents this as a genuine numismatic item rather than a commercial counter or gaming piece.

Cross References

Rulau GA-Sa-15; PCGS #896296