Washington and Franklin 0-0

This is a silver medal, approximately 1 1/4 inches in diameter, featuring George Washington. It was designed by Joseph H. Merriam. This medal is a fascinating artifact, encapsulating the historical and cultural reverence for figures like Washington. The inscription “Born George Washington February 22, 1732” monumentalizes his birth, framing his identity as intrinsically linked to the nation's identity. It's interesting to think about how leaders are canonized, their legacies molded through selective memory and symbolic representation. Consider the power dynamics at play during Washington's time, particularly the contradictions between the rhetoric of freedom and the realities of slavery. This medal invites us to reflect on how we grapple with the complexities of historical figures and the values they represent, urging us to engage in critical dialogue about who we choose to memorialize.