(1889) Bronze Medal GW-1104, Equestrian-Centennial Inaguration

Coin Details

Description

The Musante-Baker GW-1104 medal in bronze is the standard metallic version of this equestrian design commemorating the centennial of George Washington's inauguration in 1889. The obverse features Washington on horseback, rendered in a formal equestrian pose that evokes both his military leadership during the Revolution and his dignity as the nation's first chief executive. The reverse carries inscriptions marking the hundredth anniversary of the April 30, 1789 inauguration ceremony at Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York City. The 1889 centennial was among the most elaborate patriotic celebrations in nineteenth-century America. A joint committee of Congress appropriated funds for the observance, and New York City organized a massive civic festival that drew hundreds of thousands of spectators. The equestrian motif chosen for GW-1104 was particularly appropriate given Washington's renowned horsemanship — he was widely considered the finest horseman of his generation, and contemporary accounts of the Revolution frequently noted his commanding presence in the saddle. Bronze was the most common composition for commemorative medals of this period, offering durability and attractive patina development at modest cost. This striking represents the primary issue of the GW-1104 design and is the variant most frequently encountered by collectors of Washingtoniana.

Rarity Notes

Bronze is the standard composition for GW-1104 and the most commonly available version. Produced in quantity for the 1889 centennial celebrations.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-1104; PCGS #658960