1897 Washington Monument at Philadelphia, Society of the Cincinnati medal. Musante GW-Unlisted, Baker-S324, var. Copper, Bronzed. SP-66 (PCGS).76.5 mm. Not listed by Musante because it is beyond the scope of the work, and unlisted by Rulau and Fuld in this composition. Extremely rare. Superb deep mahogany bronze with unbroken satiny luster though the fields and sharp satiny devices. Exceptional quality, rarity and eye appeal. While white metal versions are seen on occasion, and we have handled a couple of silver ones over a long period of years, not a single bronze appears in our archives. Silver examples are said to a have been handed out to prominent guests at the statue dedication and following banquet. At the statue unveiling ceremony, President McKinley did the unveiling honors in the presence of the vice president, governors of three states, mayors of Philadelphia and New York and the entire Pennsylvania legislature. We do not know the circumstances of bronze impressions, but it seems likely that they were either also special presentation pieces, like the silver ones, or perhaps a few were ordered by prominent collectors shortly thereafter. Whatever the case, they are great rarities and this one is superb. It is hard to imagine a finer one in existence. Baker is believed to have collected up until his passing in September 1897, so this medal necessarily would have been one of his very last acquisitions.Ex William Spohn Baker Collection, to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania by bequest, November 15, 1897.
