(1900) White Metal Medal Baker-S-324A, Monument at Philadelphia

Coin Details

Auction Record

$360 SP62 08-22-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

The Baker-S-324A medal in white metal commemorates the Washington Monument at Philadelphia, one of several monuments erected to George Washington in major American cities during the nineteenth century. The "S" prefix in the Baker catalog number designates this as a supplemental listing added after Baker's original 1885 publication. The design features the monument structure on one side with appropriate commemorative inscriptions. Philadelphia held special significance in Washington's life — it served as the national capital during most of his presidency (1790-1797), and the city's Independence Hall was the site of the Constitutional Convention over which he presided in 1787. Multiple Washington monuments were erected in and around Philadelphia, including equestrian statues and memorial columns, reflecting the city's deep connection to the founding era. White metal was commonly used for commemorative medals intended for broad distribution at monument unveiling ceremonies and patriotic gatherings. The c.1900 dating indicates this piece was produced for one of the periodic rededication or anniversary celebrations associated with a Philadelphia Washington monument. White metal's bright, silvery appearance made it visually attractive for commemorative purposes, though its softness means surviving examples often show wear and environmental damage.

Rarity Notes

White metal composition. Baker-S-324A is a supplemental catalog entry, indicating limited documentation of this variety. Condition-sensitive due to the soft alloy.

Cross References

Baker-S-324A; PCGS #877758; Washington Monument, Philadelphia