1808 Washington Benevolent Society Medal. Silver. 42.2 mm. 28.6 grams (without hanger). Musante GW-94, Baker-327, Julian RF-23. About Uncirculated.This is a richly original example with dominant lavender-gray patina and warmer olive-charcoal outlines to many of the design elements. Iridescent antique gold undertones are also evident. It is sharply defined with only the barest trace of high point rub. There is a short, dull scratch in the upper right obverse field above Washingtons bust. Rare. The mounting for the suspension loop remains, but the loop itself is not present. The dies for this type were engraved by John Reich, and the medals were struck at the young United States Mint in Philadelphia. These were produced for a New York branch of the Washington Benevolent Society, which was a political movement founded in the early 19th century. Although it was originally presented as a charitable organization with an interest in educating people on the political and moral philosophies of George Washington, the Society was actually a recruitment arm of the Federalist party. The Society served as a counter to the growing power of the Tammany Society in New York City. Branches of the Washington Benevolent Society were eventually established in other cities, but by 1820 most chapters had been closed.The Washington Benevolent Society medals have been popular for a long time. Augustus B. Sages June 1859 fixed-price catalogue, one of the earliest such lists published in America, offered such a piece, described as Bust of Washington on a pedestal. Fine and very rare, and priced at $5. Ever since, these medals have been a standard item to include in any cabinet of Washingtoniana. At the time a Proof 1856 Flying Eagle cent had a market value of $2!From the Q. David Bowers Collection. Earlier from our (Coin Galleries) sale of September 2008, lot 1882.
