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The American Numismatic Society has lent 30 early American medals from their collection to George Washington's Mount Vernon. Here's some information from the Mount Vernon web site. The exhibit runs through March 31, 2020. -Editor
Medals from the American Numismatic Society
Now on display in Mount Vernon’s Donald W. Reynolds Education Center is a special temporary exhibition featuring 30 rare medals from the American Revolution and the early republic. War and Peace in Miniature: Medals from the American Numismatic Society is an unparalleled collection that highlights the remarkable heroes and events from the Revolutionary War and the new nation’s diplomatic endeavors. An interactive touchscreen next to the display of medals invites visitors to explore these meticulously-crafted objects in more detail. The touchscreen features high-resolution images of the front and back of each medal, as well as additional details about inscriptions and symbolism. The exhibition also recalls Washington’s own collection of medals. At the time of his death in 1799, he owned an unequaled assemblage of the new nation’s medallic art—including the only full set of the Comitia Americana series—stored with other valuables and curiosities, probably in a small closet off his study. Diplomatic Gifts  Gift-giving was an established part of 18th-century diplomacy. Both European states and American Indian nations expected that the new nation would continue awarding
medals to retiring foreign ministers and prominent leaders. George Washington’s administration faced the challenge of adapting monarchical practices to republican ideals.
Indian Peace Medals  As part of the 18th-century competition for Native American lands, trade, and military alliances, European powers presented Indian leaders with silver medals – the
larger the medal, the more important the leader was thought to be. George Washington’s administration continued this practice but tried (unsuccessfully) to introduce new imagery
celebrating the virtues of civilization.
The Comitia Americana Medals  During the Revolution, Congress ordered gold and silver medals to honor ten commanders of six notable victories. The designs included portrait busts, allegorical
figures, and battle scenes.
For more information, see:
Wayne Homren, Editor The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization promoting numismatic literature. See our web site at coinbooks.org. To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor at this address: whomren@gmail.com To subscribe go to: https://my.binhost.com/lists/listinfo/esylum All Rights Reserved. NBS Home Page Contact the NBS webmaster 
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