Comitia Americana : Washington before Boston, 1776
Title (alt.):
Washington medal
Washington before Boston, 1776
Description:
A gold medal awarded by the Second Continental Congress to George Washington in commemoration of his victory at Boston and the subsequent evacuation of British forces from the city. The Congress initially authorized the creation and presentation of the medal in 1776, but it was not completed until 1789 and was first presented to Washington in 1790.
Title devised by cataloger.
Weight from: Reports of proceedings of the City Council of Boston for the municipal year 1876 (Boston: Rockwell & Churchill, 1877) p. 174.
Notes (acquisition):
Purchased in 1875 by a committee of 50 prominent Boston citizens from the descendents of George Washington's nephew, George Steptoe Washington. The medal was then presented to the City of Boston to commemorate the centennial anniversary of American independence.
Notes (citation):
Betts, C.W. American colonial history illustrated by contemporary medals, 543
Baker, W.S. Medallic portraits of Washington, p. 27
Notes (object):
Obverse: Georgio Washington Svpremo Dvci Exercitvvm Adsertori Libertatis (around Houdon's bust of Washington, to right). Signed below shoulder: Du Vivier Paris. F., with Comitia Americana below bust.
Reverse: Hostibus Primo Fugatis (above view of mounted Washington and his officers watching the British ships withdraw from Boston Harbor). In exergue: Bostonium Recuperatum XVII. Martii MDCCLXXVI.
Housed in a brown goatskin box.