1797 George Washington Masonic
Medallion
Struck in 1797, the
Washington Medallion commemorated the just-completed presidency of Brother
George Washington. It bore his likeness on the obverse with the simple text,
"Washington President." The real purpose of the medallion, however, became
apparent upon viewing the reverse side, which showed the working tools and
symbols of a Masonic Lodge. The initials at the bottom, "GWGGM" stood for
"George Washington General Grand Master." The coin actually was a promotional
piece advocating the election of Brother Washington as General Grand Master of
Masons in America, representing one of the several campaigns to organize a
general Grand Lodge, all of which failed.
