1824 Lafayette Visit medalet by Joseph Lewis. Musante GW-112, Baker-198A. Silver. Plain edge. EF-40 (PCGS). 9.4 mm. (without suspension loop). 23.2 grains. Uniform medium gray silver with a few scattered fine scratches, the marks of a piece worn and used for its intended purpose. However, quite remarkably, the original integral suspension loop remains intact, which is rarely seen on these thin and apparently rather fragile pieces. Evenly struck with inviting detail remaining throughout.<p> <p>Struck in 1824 in celebration of Lafayettes triumphant return visit to the United States-a 14 month tour during which he visited each of the 24 states in the Union. He was the last surviving French general of the American Revolution and received a heros welcome wherever he stopped. His long known association with Washington likely contributed to his celebrity reception and is memorialized on this small medalet. As a contemporary commemorative of such a landmark event, this type must be counted among the most historic of the Washington medals-perhaps not as hallowed as the famous Washington funeral medals, but certainly worthy of similar historical appreciation. They are also among the rarest, as many were lost, likely due to the fragile hangers mentioned previously. Finding a nice example with a hanger can prove a formidable challenge. <em>From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from our (Bowers and Merenas) sale of September 1985, lot 3073.</em><em></em>
