(1800) WM Med. Washington Funeral, Urn XF40 认证号37559480, PCGS号410788

Ron Guth

Following President George Washington's death in 1799, the entire nation went into a deep state of mourning.  A variety of memorials were struck, printed, or woven to honor the memory of this great man.  This medal was made by Jacob Perkins (also known for his work on the Massachusetts Half Cents and Cents of 1787 and 1788, plus several other important medals).  The reverse depicts the funerary urn designed by Paul Revere.  Most of these funeral medals were holed at the top so they could be worn with a thin string or suspended from a hanger pinned to a coat.  As a result, most examples are worn because they were actually used.  Mint State examples are very rare and we know of none above MS64.  A number of different varieties were created by muling different obverse and reverse dies.  This type was also made in silver.