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Description

George Washington: Pater Patriae 1789 Inaugural Button. WI-19b, 25mm copper with original shank. It depicts a half-length bust of Washington in his military uniform, wearing a tri-corner hat, inscribed "General Washington Pater Patriae". This is the only button in the series that has a portrait of the "Father of Our Country" and thus qualifies as an "essential". Heritage sold two examples (the Frent specimen on two occasions and a second example from an old-time New England clothing button collection). This is the second and only other example our consignor owned. Accordingly, this is the fourth example we have handled.

Condition: Light wear, original shank present.


Auction Info

Proxy Bidding Ends 
October
24th Friday 10:50 am CT
Auction Dates
October
24th-25th Friday-Saturday
Proxy Bidding Time Remaining 
18 Days 18h 39m 21s
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: 41
Page Views: 471

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This lot is in: 1 - Signature® Floor Session (Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 43001-43191) - 11:00 AM Central Time, Friday, October 24, 2025.
[Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session.]

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Additional Location Info:
Heritage Auctions
2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, TX 75261

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Current Bid:
$15,000
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