Medal 1870 - 1900

This medal, bearing the likeness of George Washington, was produced by John A. Bolen using die-striking, a process with ancient roots adapted to the industrial age. Consider the material: likely a base metal like pewter or white metal, chosen for its ability to capture fine detail under pressure. The die-striking process involved hammering the metal between two hardened steel dies, one bearing a positive and the other a negative image of the design. This method allowed for the relatively quick production of identical pieces, a far cry from hand-sculpting each one. The crispness of Washington’s profile and the surrounding text speaks to the precision of die-making, a skilled craft in itself. Medals like these weren’t just commemorative objects; they were artifacts of a burgeoning industrial system, where artistry and mechanical reproduction intersected, making the heroic image of Washington accessible to a broader public. By understanding the process behind its creation, we gain insight into the values and aspirations of a nation forging its identity.