Owner Comments:
(ca. 1885) Washington Monument Medal. First Obverse. White Metal. 44 mm. Musante GW-1003, Baker N-322, HK-145.
THIS IS ONE OF ONLY (4) DEEP PROOFLIKES OF THIS TYPE LISTED IN THE NGC CENSUS, WITH ONLY (3) MS 63'S AND (1) MS 64 FINER IN THE NGC CENSUS OVERALL AS OF 1/2024. THERE ARE (4) EXAMPLES OF THIS TYPE LISTED IN THE PCGS CENSUS AS OF 7/2023, WITH (2) SPECIMEN 62 EXAMPLES LISTED AS TOP POPS.
JEFF SHEVLIN HAS A MS 62 EXAMPLE LISTED FOR SALE ON HIS WEBSITE FOR $875.00.
A MS 62 PL SOLD IN AN AUCTION FOR $1,250.00 ACCORDING TO JEFF SHEVLIN.
This medal obviously commemorates dedication of the famous national monument. Issue probably struck privately; either presented to guests and officials at opening ceremonies or sold to visitors as souvenir.
Monument is tapering shaft or obelisk, white marble faced, 555 feet high, 55 feet square at base. Eight small windows, at 500 foot level, reached by stairway of 50 landings and 900 steps or by elevator requiring 70 seconds for ascent.
Thirtieth (1848) Congress created Washington National Monument Association to supervise construction; also authorized cost be met by popular subscription. Cornerstone laid July 4, 1848 but progress slow. Six years and $300,000 later, controversy ensued; contributions and work ceased. Construction resumed 1880 by Corps of Engineers at government expense; dedicated Feb. 21, 1885; opened Oct. 9, 1888.