1889 Cast Silver Medal GW-1135, Inaugural Centennial

Coin Details

Auction Record

$20,400 AU55 11-09-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1889 medal GW-1135 in cast silver is a premium version of the Inaugural Centennial design produced by the casting method rather than striking. Cast medals are produced by pouring molten metal into a mold rather than pressing a blank between dies, resulting in a softer, more organic surface quality that some collectors and artists preferred. Cast silver medals are typically produced in very small quantities, as the casting process is more labor-intensive than die striking. The cast finish and silver composition indicate this was a presentation or collector piece of the highest quality. The distinction between cast and struck medals is important in numismatic evaluation, as each production method has its own aesthetic characteristics and implications for rarity. Washington's image was used on medals and tokens throughout the nineteenth century by organizations, businesses, and individuals seeking to associate their activities with the prestige and patriotic symbolism of the nation's founding father.

Rarity Notes

Cast silver. Very limited production. Cast medals are scarcer than struck versions.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-1135; PCGS #910235; Inaugural Centennial, cast silver