Busacca Gallery

General George Washington The Evacuation of Boston, March 17, 1776. The Washington Before Boston Medal has become the most popular of all Revolutionary War medals among collectors. This is one of 50 to 60 known examples of Washington before Boston medal in bronze that was struck from the original dies. (Cited from: Description of U.S.A. Bronze Medal Commemorating George Washington Before Boston, 1776 (1900-2000): This medal, crafted in bronze and adorned with gilt, features an obverse design depicting a dignified bare head of George Washington facing right. Below the image of Washington, the inscription reads, "GEORGIO WASHINGTON SVPREMO DVCI EXERCITVVM ADSERTORI LIBERTATIS." On the same side of the medal, beneath the inscription, we find "COMITIA AMERICANA." The reverse side of the medal showcases a compelling scene with four equestrian figures set against a backdrop of Boston Harbor, with a cannon positioned to the right. Above this imagery, the Latin inscription "HOSTIBUS PRIMO FUGATIS" is displayed. In the exergue, the medal carries the following text: "BOSTONIUM RECUPERATUM / XII.MARTII . MDCCLXXVI." Provenance: This exceptional medal was presented to Her Majesty The Queen by Mr. Eliott Richardson, the United States Ambassador, and was delivered via William Heseltine. Following “the shots heard around the world” at Concord Bridge in April 1775, a diverse group of American militiamen and minutemen surrounded the British forces in Boston. In June the British launched a major attack on the American fortifications at Breeds and Bunker Hills. Although the British won the battle after the Americans ran out of ammunition, their victory came at a staggering cost. Over of a thousand of the 2,200 soldiers in the attacking force were killed, and many more were wounded. Not long after the Battle of Bunker Hill the Continental Congress appointed George Washington as General-in-Chief of the Continental Army. After consolidating his position Washington devised a plan to end the Siege of Boston. He sent Henry Knox to Fort Ticonderoga in northeastern New York State to bring back cannon from that recently captured facility. After fighting bitter cold and occasional thaws that made travel difficult, Knox and his party returned to Boston with 59 pieces of ordinance of various calibers. On the night of March 4, 1776, while the British responded to random cannon fire and other distractions, the colonials built breastworks on Dorchester Heights above the Boston Harbor. At dawn the British awoke to find that their military position had become untenable quite literally overnight. Now their only lifeline, the British Navy, could be attacked atany time by the cannon that were now trained on Boston Harbor. After a freak storm thwarted a token effort by the British to dislodge the Dorchester cannon, the British evacuated Boston on March 17, 1776. A week later Congress voted to award a gold medal to George Washington for this triumph. Washington would not receive his prize until 1790 which was a typical delay for those who would be awarded Revolutionary War medals. In the grand scheme of things, Washington’s victory over the British in Boston was not of great strategic significance. The British retired to Nova Scotia where they regrouped and returned with a vengeance to fight the war for another five years. Still the evacuation of Boston did build American morale, and it demonstrated that the colonists did have a chance to win their Independence. The Washington Before Boston Medal has become the most popular of all Revolutionary War medals among collectors. To date at least eight different die combinations have been used to strike examples of this piece at the Paris and Philadelphia Mints. The Boston Public Library now holds the gold medal that was awarded to Washington.

The history of portrait medals of George Washington is a fascinating journey through time, reflecting the evolution of art, politics, and commemorative culture in the United States. These medals served as a means of honoring and immortalizing America's first president, George Washington, and played a crucial role in shaping the nation's historical memory. Here is an overview of the history of portrait medals of George Washington: Early Washington Medals (Late 18th Century): The earliest portrait medals of George Washington were created during his lifetime and shortly after his death. These medals were often made of metals like copper or brass. They typically featured simple profiles or busts of Washington, with inscriptions highlighting his role as a military leader and statesman. The Comitia Americana Series (Late 18th Century): One of the most famous early series of Washington medals was the Comitia Americana series. These medals were commissioned by the Continental Congress to commemorate significant events in the American Revolution. Notable examples include the Saratoga Medal and the Libertas Americana Medal. Washington was featured on some of these medals as a symbol of American leadership. The Seasons Medals (Early 19th Century): In the early 19th century, American medalists like Moritz Furst and John Reich created a series of Washington medals known as "The Seasons." These medals depicted Washington in various allegorical scenes, often representing different seasons of the year. The U.S. Mint and Official Medals: As the United States established its own Mint, official medals featuring Washington were produced. These medals included the so-called "Indian Peace Medals," which were given to Native American leaders, and various commemorative medals issued on special occasions. The Post-Civil War Era: During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a resurgence in interest in George Washington and the early history of the United States. This period saw the creation of numerous medals and plaques commemorating Washington's life and achievements. Bicentennial Celebrations: The bicentennial of George Washington's birth in 1932 sparked a renewed interest in his legacy. Many medals and commemorative items were produced to mark this significant milestone. Modern Commemorative Medals: Even in contemporary times, new portrait medals of George Washington continue to be created to honor his memory. These often include reproductions of historical designs as well as new interpretations. Collecting and Scholarship: The study and collection of George Washington medals have become a niche within numismatics and American history scholarship. Collectors seek rare and historically significant pieces, while scholars examine these medals as a window into the evolving perceptions of Washington and the nation's history. George Washington's image on medals has served as a symbol of American identity and values. These medals not only provide insights into the history of numismatics but also offer a unique perspective on the changing cultural and political landscape of the United States.