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Earliest Known Washington Medal: Voltaire Medal

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Washington Medals

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Earliest Known Washington Medal The "Voltaire Medal"

(c. 1778) George Washington "Voltaire Medal," Honoring Washington as Commander of the Continental Army, Baker-78B, Bronze, Extremely Fine.
41 mm. This important Washington medal, with an imaginary portrait of the Commander of the Continental Army, is believed to have been struck in Paris on orders from Voltaire. Voltaire (real name Francois Marie Arouet) had been living in exile until 1778 when he returned to Paris. He is believed to have commissioned this medal, and died later that same year. This is the very thick flan variety, mentioned but not listed in Rulau's catalog of Washington Medals. This medal now has a deep mahogany-brown color with light wear on the highest points of the obverse. There is a trivial rim irregularity at 8:00, otherwise this is a choice example of a rare Washington Medal. A classic medal missing in many collections.



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