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United States Capitol Centennial - 1893 - Washington, DC
Extensive research fails to establish origin of this medal. In absence of any Mint records, it obviously was struck privately and probably was sold as souvenir in and around Washington.
Original plan for national Capitol Building was drawn by Dr. William Thornton of Tortola, West Indies, and accepted April 5, 1793. Cornerstone laid by President Washington, with Masonic ceremonies, Sept. 18, 1793. In 1814, all interiors were burned by British, re-construction requiring 5 years. Famous bronze Statue of Freedom, almost 300 feet above ground, was erected on dome in 1863.
Obverse: Capitol Building; at upper edge, on ribbon Washington, D. C., below Centennial of Laying / to l. of Corner, to r. Stone; below edifice of U. S. Capitol / Sep. 18, 1893; beaded border.
Reverse: Within central wreath, and between scrolls above and below, Souvenir; ring of stars all around wreath; beaded border.
HK-244 - White Metal. Size 22.
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