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George Washington Inaugural Centennial Medal

Designed by: Augustus Saint-Gaudens (American (born in Ireland), 1848–1907)
Modeled by: Philip Martiny (American (born in Alsace-Lorraine), 1858–1927)
Cast by: Gorham Manufacturing Company (active 1865–1961)
1889
Object Place: New York, Probably New York

Medium/Technique Bronze, light brown patina, lost wax cast
Dimensions Overall: 383.3 gm, Diam: 11.4 cm (0.8 lb., 4 1/2 in.)
Credit Line Gift of Henry G. Marquand
Accession Number89.251
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsNumismaticsMedals

Catalogue Raisonné 69
DescriptionGeoge Washington Inaugural Celebration, Medal, 1889. OBV: Profile of bust of George Washington. Around the edge are thirteen stars, and GEORGE WASHINGTON inscribed as the top below the stars. Below the bust in small letters is- "Philio Martiny Modeller Design and Copyright by Augustus Saint-Gaudens." On the right is a lictor's fasces and on both sides of the bust, across the center is PATER PATRIÆ MDCCL XXXIX. REV: Around the edge are 38 small five pointed stars. At the top, a spread eagle grasping a bundle of arrows. On its breast the shield with E PLURIBUS UNUM. At the left below is another shield with coat of arms. The inscription- "To commemorate the inaguration of George Washington as first president of the United States of America at New York April xxx, MDCCLXXXIX. By the authority of the committee of celebration. New York April xxx, MDCCCLXXXIX" covers nearly the whole side.
Edge: plain
ProvenanceHenry G. Marquand, New York.