The 1884 New Orleans Robert E. Lee Monument dedication medal is a historically significant souvenir distributed during the monument's unveiling at Lee Circle on February 22, 1884. Minted to commemorate the event, these vintage tokens are highly sought-after artifacts of post-Civil War American history.
Key Details & Characteristics
- Event: The unveiling of the Alexander Doyle-sculpted bronze statue on a 60-foot marble column. Dignitaries in attendance included Jefferson Davis and P.G.T. Beauregard.
- Design Features: The front of the token typically features a depiction of the Lee statue surrounded by a fenced landscape, marked with "New Orleans Feb. 22. 1884".
- Reverse: The back generally displays a large wreath containing the words "Souvenir. * Unveiling of Statue. Gen. Robert E. Lee." as well as his birth and death dates.
- Manufacturing: Many of these official medals were struck by Peiffer Bros. in Philadelphia and were heavily sold to help finance the public monument. The number stuck is unknown!
- Shipping costs include additional insurance