SOLD: 1848 Washington Monument Commencement SCD

A fairly early U.S. medal struck in 1848. Large high-relief bust of Washington on the obverse. This SCD will be included in the So-Called Dollars Volume II edition. Graded by NGC Uncirculated details environmental damage. As Neil Musante explains in his Medallic Washington Book, this medal commemorates the July 4, 1848 laying of the cornerstone of what would become the Washington Monument on the National Mall. The design depicted was the original conception of the architect, but it was dramatically altered to the simple obelisk we know today, which was completed in 1885. Musante GW-178, Baker-320. Silver-Plated White Metal.