1770 GEORGE WHITEFIELD. Memorial Medallion Upon the Death of the Evangelist of the Great Awakening.

A wonderful find; several variations of this medal were produced in 1770 upon the death of George Whitefield. They were circulated both in England and in the United States, where his ministry, along with that of Jonathan Edwards, virtually defined the Great Awakening. 

Measuring 33mm, the present is well-worn, perhaps a converts memento of the human instrument used to bring them to the Saviour. The handling is the kind that could only be produced by decades of handling. What made the owner choose this medallion as their constant companion through life? Its condition speaks to us something of the power of Whitefield as a person and as a Christian cultural icon of the period. 

The front bears a bust image of Whitefield surrounded by the raised text, "Revd George Whitefield" and his dates of birth and death. The rear gives the details of the funeral, including its having been preached by John Wesley, etc. 

Some rubbing, slight flattening of forward features of face from centuries of handling. A rather nicely preserved example.