1889 Medal Douglas-24 White Metal Holed Lovett-Inaugural Centennial

Coin Details

Auction Record

$53 MS61 08-22-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

This holed white metal medal from 1889, cataloged as Douglas-24, was produced by the renowned engraver Robert Lovett Jr. for the Washington Inaugural Centennial celebration. Lovett was one of the most prolific and skilled die-sinkers in nineteenth-century America, known for his detailed portrait work and his controversial creation of Confederate cent patterns during the Civil War. His involvement in producing centennial medals demonstrates the prestige attached to the 1889 celebrations. The Douglas-24 designation places this among the later-numbered varieties in the centennial medal series, which encompasses dozens of distinct types produced by various die-sinkers and medal manufacturers. The holed condition indicates this medal was worn during the centennial events. The Washington Inaugural Centennial produced one of the largest bodies of commemorative medallic material for any single historical event in the nineteenth century, as manufacturers competed to produce attractive souvenirs for the large crowds attending the celebrations.

Rarity Notes

Holed white metal medal from 1889. Douglas-24. By Robert Lovett Jr. Centennial commemorative. Lovett-attributed medals are especially prized by collectors.

Cross References

PCGS #883365; Douglas-24; Robert Lovett Jr.; Washington Inaugural Centennial 1889