1832 Medal GW-130 White Metal Civic Procession MS(PCGS#670465)

Winter 2022 U.S. Coins Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

2136

等级

AU50

价格

1,525

详细说明

1832 Philadelphia Civic Procession Medal. Original. Musante GW-130, Baker-160A. White Metal. AU-50 (PCGS). 32.7 mm. 192.9 grains. Neatly pierced for suspension at 12 o'clock. Gently pested surfaces retain considerable lustrous light silver gray in the recesses, nicely accentuating the design features. A little flat on the high points and with clear handling. This all points to a medal that was literally struck on the parade float operated by the Gold and Silver Artificers through the streets of Philadelphia on February 22, 1832 and tossed into the admiring crowd of spectators. Such medals tend to be rough, and are frequently heavily pested, but they are the single most historic iteration of this design type. Struck in coin-turn orientation. The seventh Marshall, Robert M. Lewis, led the procession of the "CHASERS, SILVERSMITHS, WATCHMAKERS, JEWELLERS, ENGRAVERS," as described in The United States Gazetteof Philadelphia, February 24, 1832: "These made a splendid display. In a car drawn by four horses was a stamping press at work, the productions of which were ever and anon distributed to the spectators. This consisted of a beautiful medal, representing, on the obverse, the head of Washington on a medallion, surrounded by the American Eagle, and in the back round rays of glory. Beneath the medallion a scroll with the words in relief "PATRIAE PATER;" the whole surrounded by a plain rim. On the reverse, the words-'Struck and distributed in civic procession, FEBRUARY 22d 1832, the centennial anniversary of the birth day of WASHINGTON, by the gold & silver artificers of Philad.' "This side surrounded with a cord, outside of which is a single line. Edge plain. The profusion of gold and silver lace and glittering ornaments displayed by these trades had a fine effect." The detail given here in the description of the medal is remarkable and speaks to a strong likelihood that the writer probably captured one for himself during the procession, from which he was able to give a thorough description, down to the edge. Additional information pertaining to this lot: 1832 Introduction 1832 marked the Centennial Anniversary of the birth of George Washington, and with his memory still very much alive more than three decades after his passing, celebrations were taken seriously. In Philadelphia, a massive Civic Procession was planned and executed. Even the newspapers in the city did not publish on February 23rd, as they were asked to not work on the day of the celebration, in honor of Washington-the day they would have otherwise prepared the 23rd's editions. The February 24, 1832, edition of Philadelphia's The United States Gazetteoffered these observations and commentaries on the events of the day, among others: "The hundredth birth day of Washington was celebrated on Wednesday throughout the United States, with pomp and circumstances suited to the character and claims of our country's father, according to the feelings and view of citizens. Those who conscientiously avoid public parades, felt undoubtedly grateful for the benefits received, no less sensible of the claims for deep and lasting respect, which the services of Washington had upon them. "Philadelphia, on the occasion, manifested unusual display to give emphatic expression to feelings of love for the character, and gratitude for the services, of Washington. "For several days previous to the twenty second, the note of preparation was heard in every part of the city. The daily papers were crowded with notices of meetings of different trades, professions, and companies, for the purpose of considering the best mode of celebrating the occasion; committees of arrangement were formed, and each vied with the rest in a laudable and friendly emulation, to testify his respect for the great character whose birth day they were about to celebrate. Meanwhile, artists and artisans of every description were busy in the preparation of various insignia for the occasion…" "…About 9 o'clock A.M. the different trades, fire companies, and military bands, were seen organizing in their respective places of rendezvous-and the busy movement of citizens with the badges of the day, and the different insignia of their craft and their official rank, was highly interesting and enlivening, while cheerful activity beamed in every face, and showed itself in the bouyancy [sic] of every step…" "…The streets through which the procession passed, were crowded with people, anxiously gazing at the most imposing spectacle that has ever been exhibited in Philadelphia." It was estimated that 10,000 to 15,000 people participated in the procession which was between four and five miles in length and lasted just several hours (accounts vary). The few medals that follow, along with the unique GW-91 offered earlier in this sale, are artifacts that relate directly to this occasion, and are among the few such medals that can be assigned a very specific time, place and purpose. Provenance: From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Purchased from Heritage, via eBay, June 2006. Click herefor certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.