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1908 Copper Medal Baker-G-310, Chicago Chapter No.43

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1908

Denomination

Medals

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

George Washington Medals

Composition

Copper

Auction Record

$80 UNC Details 11-09-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1908 medal Baker-G-310 in copper was issued by Chicago Chapter No. 43, a Masonic chapter. The "G" prefix in Baker's catalog indicates a supplemental listing. The 1908 date places this medal in the early twentieth century when fraternal organizations were at the height of their influence in American civic life. Chicago Chapter No. 43's medal documents the Midwest's participation in the tradition of Washington-portrait lodge medals. The symbolic power of Washington's image in American culture made his likeness a natural choice for medallic commemoration of events ranging from military victories to civic celebrations, fraternal gatherings, and commercial promotions. Copper composition provides an attractive warm-toned medium for fraternal commemoratives. Chapter-specific medals were produced in small quantities for distribution at meetings and ceremonies.