(1904) Bronze Medal Baker-1826, Monument Association

Coin Details

Auction Record

$120 MS65 11-09-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

The Baker-1826 medal in bronze is a second Monument Association design, cataloged separately from Baker-1825 due to differences in design, die, or commemorative purpose. Monument associations often issued multiple medals over the course of their existence — for groundbreaking ceremonies, construction milestones, dedication events, and subsequent anniversaries — each receiving its own catalog number in the Baker reference. The distinction between Baker-1825 and Baker-1826 may reflect different events in the monument's history, different die engravers, or different sizes and formats. Both are attributed to the Washington Monument Association and dated to approximately 1904, indicating they was part of the same commemorative program or closely related events. Bronze was the workhorse composition of American commemorative medals in this era, offering an attractive medium that could be produced in sufficient quantities for broad distribution while maintaining the gravitas appropriate to a patriotic monument. The warm reddish-brown patina that develops on bronze over time was considered aesthetically pleasing and appropriate for medals honoring the nation's founding heroes.

Rarity Notes

Bronze Monument Association medal. Baker-1826 is a separate catalog entry from Baker-1825, indicating a distinct design or die variety. Production quantities were moderate.

Cross References

Baker-1826; PCGS #686348; Monument Association