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The 2024 225th Anniversary Washington Funeral Coin: The Ultimate Tribute To The “Father Of Our Country”
By GovMint
George Washington’s presidency, from 1789 to 1797, was foundational in shaping the United States. Washington’s leadership was marked by his commitment to national unity; he understood the delicate balance between federal and state powers and sought to foster cooperation among diverse political factions. His establishment of a cabinet underscored the value of collaborative governance. Washington also faced significant challenges, including the Whiskey Rebellion, which he managed to effectively assert federal authority while promoting civil order.
Washington refused to have himself depicted on coins, considering the notion "monarchical."
The passing of George Washington in 1799 elicited a wave of heartfelt tributes and public ceremonies. Adamant during his presidency that his image should not appear on circulating U.S. coinage (so he didn’t appear as a king), mourners created the funeral medal with his likeness on it as a tribute instead. The medal was worn around the necks of mourners who attended parades celebrating Washington’s life. The original medals were struck in tin, silver and gold just after Washington’s death.
Now, on the 225th anniversary of Washington’s passing, Great Britain’s world-renowned Commonwealth Mint has struck a commemorative legal tender coin issued by Ascension Island that features the same imagery that appeared on the original funeral medal.
The 2024 225th Anniversary Washington Funeral Coin
The new 2024-dated coin marks the first time this medal has been offered as a Legal Tender coin release. To capture the rustic look of the original medal, famed former U.S. Mint Designer and Engraver Michael Gaudioso hand-sculpted the primary obverse and reverse imagery of the original medal, including the rim dentles, on a plaster cast. This is the same type of process used in the 19th and 20th centuries to help create the working dies used to strike coinage.
Each piece is denominated in dollars from Ascension Island. Ascension Island serves as a military base in the South Atlantic that regularly services aircraft from both Great Britain and the United States – which makes it a fitting issuing authority given that Washington’s family heritage was closely tied to British origins as well those in America.
Learn about the 225th Washington Funeral Medal Coin
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