Battle of Manila Bay - 1898 - Admiral George Dewey
Research fails to establish origin of this issue but evidence points to fact metal could have come from that captured from Spanish in this battle.
Following Spain’s Declaration of War April 24, 1898 and Congressional Resolution April 25 that war "had existed" since April 21, Commodore George Dewey attacked and destroyed Spanish Fleet in Manila Bay May 1, 1898 and occupied Cavite. War ended with Armistice of Aug. 12; Peace Treaty signed in Paris Dec. 10, 1898.
Following Commodore Dewey’s return to United States 1899, he was honored at series of receptions, public and private. At some of these, guests were presented with medals struck from metal captured at Manila Bay and procurable from Government. Elsewhere, there was wide sale of souvenirs, including medals, claimed made from same metal.
Obverse: Raised bust r.; around Admiral Geo. Dewey.
Reverse: Battleship, below U. S. S. Olympia - all within beaded circle resembling ship’s rope, looped at top and tied in loose knot at bottom; outside around Manila Bay May 1 1898.
HK-280 - White Metal. Size 22.
HK-280a - Bronze.
 
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