Fine Online Estate Sale Auction, Private Residence Honey Brook, PA
Lot 150:
Description
This US commemorative bronze medal was issued in 1889 to mark the centennial of the inauguration of George Washington as the first president. The medal was designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens and modeled by Philip Martiny. The obverse features a profile bust of George Washington facing left, accompanied by a vertical fasces and a ring of stars. Inscriptions include GEORGE WASHINGTON, PATER MDCCLXXXIX, and PATRIAE MDCCCLXXXIX, with the designer and modeler names inscribed along the lower edge. The reverse displays an eagle and shield design above a commemorative text block. The text denotes the inauguration in New York on April 30, 1789, and the authority of the Committee on Celebration on April 30, 1889. The Washington family coat of arms is integrated into the reverse field between sections of the inscription. Both sides are bordered by a ring of stars.
Condition report:
The medal exhibits a rich brown patina with localized areas of dark oxidation and small spots on both the obverse and reverse fields. Minor surface wear and small rim nicks are consistent with age. Relief remains sharp throughout, with high levels of detail preserved in the hair, fasces, and eagle. No evidence of cleaning or major damage is visible.
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