ANS EARLY AMERICAN MEDALS AT MOUNT VERNON

Now on display in Mount Vernon's Donald W. Reynolds Education Center is a special temporary exhibition featuring 30 rare medals from the American Revolution and the earlyrepublic. War and Peace in Miniature: Medals from the American Numismatic Society is an unparalleled collection that highlights the remarkable heroes and events from theRevolutionary War and the new nation's diplomatic endeavors.

An interactive touchscreen next to the display of medals invites visitors to explore these meticulously-crafted objects in more detail. The touchscreen features high-resolutionimages of the front and back of each medal, as well as additional details about inscriptions and symbolism.

The exhibition also recalls Washington's own collection of medals. At the time of his death in 1799, he owned an unequaled assemblage of the new nation's medallic art-includingthe only full set of the Comitia Americana series-stored with other valuables and curiosities, probably in a small closet off his study.

Diplomatic Gifts

Gift-giving was an established part of 18th-century diplomacy. Both European states and American Indian nations expected that the new nation would continue awardingmedals to retiring foreign ministers and prominent leaders. George Washington's administration faced the challenge of adapting monarchical practices to republican ideals.

Indian Peace Medals

As part of the 18th-century competition for Native American lands, trade, and military alliances, European powers presented Indian leaders with silver medals - thelarger the medal, the more important the leader was thought to be. George Washington's administration continued this practice but tried (unsuccessfully) to introduce new imagerycelebrating the virtues of civilization.

The Comitia Americana Medals

During the Revolution, Congress ordered gold and silver medals to honor ten commanders of six notable victories. The designs included portrait busts, allegoricalfigures, and battle scenes.

For more information, see:

War and Peace: American History in Miniature(https://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/exhibitions/war-and-peace-american-history-in-miniature/)