Today we are celebrating the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Washington was the central figure in the founding of the United States. His leadership kept the Revolutionary War movement going during its darkest hours. He also defined the office of the presidency since he was the first man to hold the job. Lincoln saved the Union. Looking at the other men who were seeking the presidency in Lincoln's time, it would not be an exaggeration to say the Lincoln was probably the only politician who could have done that. Therefore we celebrate the lives of those great men today. There have been thousands of Washington and Lincoln numismatic related items issued over the years. The latest Washington work, Medallic Washington, a two volume study be Neil Masante, was published in 2016. The latest work on Lincoln pieces was penned by Paul Cunningham. Here are six of my favorite Washington and Lincoln pieces. The Washington Before Boston Medal The Continental Congress awarded a gold medal to George Washington after his army forced the British to evacuate Boston in the spring of 1776. This medal in bronze was struck with same die pair which was used to strike the gold and silver medals that were awarded to Washington in 1789. There are about 50 examples of this medal known. There have been many modern copies made of it which are not exactly the same. Washington Inaugural Button Following the first presidential inauguration, button makers produced a series of pieces that marked the event. These piece were like cufflinks in that they were attached to a coat on a temporary basis. They were treated like Jewelry. This variety, which shows the states linked together with Washington's initials in the center and the the slogan "Long live the president," is one of the more common and popular varieties. Washington Success Token This medalet is listed in the Sullivan political items guide as 1796 political piece, but many think that it is a gaming token that was made in the mid 19th century. Whatever its origins, it has been popular with collectors from the time it was issued. The Lincoln "OK" Civil War Token This piece is the most common political token that was issued during Lincoln's political career. It is still within the financial reach of most collectors. A couple of decades ago, a retired token and medal dealer came to the Winter FUN show with over 125 of these pieces for sale. Back in the 1980s, I acquired this piece $10. Today it would be worth well over $100, but it's within the reach of many. Lower grade pieces sell for a good deal less. The Lincoln Presidential Mint Medal The obverse of this piece appears on the inside cover of R. W. Julian's Medals of the United States Mint, The First Century, 1792-1892. Although many jokes were about Lincoln's appearance, Julian noted that this piece is "representative of the beautiful medallic art produced by the Mint during its first century." Victor D. Brenner's Lincoln Medal In 1908, Theodore Roosevelt posed for a Panama Canal medal that would be awarded to workers who labored on the project for one year or more. The artist was Victor D. Brenner. During their conversations, Brenner mentioned that he was working on a couple of Lincoln projects. One of them was this medal, which he showed to the president. Thus the idea was born for the Lincoln Cent. I greatly admire the reverse of this piece. It shows a long eagle standing on a cliff above a turbulent sea with a ray of hope coming from the sky. The image is enhanced by the words, "preserve, protect, defend." It is the perfect symbol for Lincoln's often lonely quest to save the Union.
During the summer of , I challenged myself to read a book about the life of each president. that was in 1957. I got a reading certificate from the local school library. I still have my certificate in my journal. A graduated from that, to reading Science Fiction Novels, i.e., Heinlein (Tunnel in the Sky and many other of his novels) and then to Isaac Asimov's Foundation Series) I am grateful for the freedom we have in the United States to write and read novels. My favorite President was Dwight David Eisenhower. His meteoric rise from a Captain to the Commanding General over all of the troops during World War II and then the Commanding Chief of the United States, the greatest power on earth at that time. (Now, we are just a fledgling country on the Earth.) It is great to live in this country today where we can collect coins and enjoy our life in the little corners of our country today. I am proud to have served in the military of the United States of America. I jumped out of perfectly good aircraft while serving in the 82nd Airborne Division, formerly of Fort Bragg, North Carolina (now, Fort Liberty). Does anyone know if there were any coins for the 82nd? I collect and all things related to the 82nd and/or Airborne in general. "Hooh raw!!" Thanks to all that served.
I have a Lincoln Presidential Mint Medal too I also have a Franklin Roosevelt one Tomorrow is my birthday. Some years President's Day falls on my birthday like last year. Ash Wednesday has fallen on my birthday as well next time that will happen is 2064. Last time was 1985.
