(1889) White Metal Medal GW-1128, 2nd Obv Holed Seal of New York City

Coin Details

Description

This white metal medal, cataloged as GW-1128, was produced for the 1889 Inauguration Centennial celebrations marking the hundredth anniversary of George Washington's first inauguration on April 30, 1789. This variety features a second obverse die and is holed, with the Seal of New York City depicted on the reverse, reflecting New York's role as the site of Washington's inauguration at Federal Hall on Wall Street. The 1889 Centennial was a major civic celebration in New York City, with parades, banquets, commemorative exercises, and an outpouring of medallic souvenirs. The holed format indicates this medal was intended to be worn as a badge or suspended from a ribbon during the celebration's public events. The Seal of New York City on the reverse honors the city's historic role as the first national capital under the Constitution. White metal was the most common composition for mass-produced celebration medals of this type, offering an affordable souvenir for the thousands of participants and spectators. The second obverse designation indicates a die variety that differs from the primary obverse used on other GW-1128 medals.

Rarity Notes

Moderately scarce. The holed white metal variety with second obverse is less common than some other 1889 Centennial medals. Condition is often affected by the hole and by wear from being worn as a badge.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-1128; PCGS #837161