Commemorative Coin
Bronze commemorative coin from 1901, 1.5″ in diameter, of 125 Anniversary of Evacuation Day in Boston. The event occurred on March 17, 1776, when the British fled the city after the Siege of Boston. The event was recognized as a holiday in the city of Boston and Suffolk County.
The front of the coin features an image of Washington on Dorchester Heights (South Boston), accompanied by soldiers on horseback. It states in Latin “Hostibus Primo Fugatis”, which translates to “The first time the enemies are put to flight.” The reverse states within laurel wreaths, “Souvenir 125th anniversary Evacuation Day Boston, Mass. 1901.”
It is reported that 100,000 of these coins were produced and distributed to Boston school children in 1901. They were struck by Whitehead & Hoag in Newark, NJ. The design was intended to replicate a unique gold medal given to George Washington by a Resolution of the Continental Congress on March 25, 1776, which is the only gold medal the U.S. has ever awarded to Washington.
An older, 1790 version of the coin has an image of George Washington instead of laurel wreaths: www.gilderlehrman.org
From the collection
W.1986.9.4