ca. 1868 Bronze Medal GW-803, Dept. of the Potomac

Coin Details

Description

The circa 1868 bronze medal GW-803 commemorates the Department of the Potomac, a military organization associated with the Union Army of the Potomac — the principal federal army in the Eastern Theater of the Civil War. Washington's portrait on a Department of the Potomac medal connected the post-war veterans' organization to the founding father for whom the Potomac River region was named. The c.1868 dating places this medal in the early post-Civil War period when veterans' organizations were forming to maintain the bonds forged during wartime service. The Department of the Potomac medal documents the use of Washington's image to link Civil War service to Revolutionary-era patriotism. Bronze composition indicates standard commemorative production. The GW-803 designation catalogs this piece within the Musante-Baker reference for Washington medals.

Rarity Notes

Bronze, c.1868. Department of the Potomac. Post-Civil War veterans organization medal.

Cross References

Musante-Baker GW-803; PCGS #931452; Department of the Potomac