INTRODUCTION

Military hero, statesman, surveyor, Founding Father, President. It’s an impressive resume. A man of action, George Washington was involved at every stage of America’s founding. His decisions and pragmatism helped form these United States. Of strong moral character, Washington was described by Jefferson as “a wise, a good, a great man… his integrity … pure.” It is, therefore, no coincidence that Washington was entrusted with great power. Twice during the Revolution, Congress gave him nearly unlimited control. While he willingly shouldered the responsibility, he relinquished it just as freely. After victory, many implored him to take formal and permanent political power. Shocked, Washington adamantly refused.

America’s Revolutionary General and first President established important precedents and values now integral to the American fabric. The only President ever unanimously elected (twice), Washington believed in the peaceful transfer of power and refused to seek a third term. Personifying the American ideal, he became a symbol of freedom and democracy around the world, and today, his image and name represent the union for which he fought.

Countless medals and tokens celebrate his enduring legacy, and the Money Museum is privileged to have the ultimate grouping of numismatic Washingtonia pieces. The Baker-Manley collection was donated to the American Numismatic Association by Dwight Manley, an ANA-life member and benefactor. Over 950 items, the core of this collection was formed by William Spohn Baker (1824-1897), the first numismatist to write a comprehensive catalogue of George Washington related materials.

AN AMERICAN CINCINNATUS

Supremely popular, General George Washington could have crowned himself America’s king. As his adversary, King George III, reportedly remarked, “If [Washington surrenders power], he will be the greatest man in the world.” Remarkably, Washington did, and his act echoed globally. Washington’s civic virtue mirrored that of Cincinnatus who, when called upon in 458 BC, became dictator of the Roman Republic, achieved victory and then returned to his farm. An American Cincinnatus, Washington represents an ideal few believed possible, a model honored by the Society of Cincinnati established in 1783.