One of the most important relics from George Washington’s life, his specially commissioned gold medal symbolizing the ideals of the Revolution, was presented by his family following his death to his adoptive son, the Marquis de Lafayette. The medal, which was designed by Pierre Charles L’Enfant, 1784, sold for $5,305,000 to La Fondation de Chambrun.

On December 11 at Sotheby’s, George Washington’s specially commissioned gold medal, which was presented by his family to his adoptive son, the Marquis de Lafayette, sold for $5,305,000. The medal, which symbolizes the ideals of the Revolution, was purchased by La Fondation de Chambrun, located at Château La Grange, the home of the Marquis de Lafayette, 30 miles east of Paris.

Three bidders competed for the medal, two on the telephone and one in the salesroom. The successful bid was executed by Christophe Van de Weghe, a Contemporary art dealer in Manhattan who represented La Fondation de Chambrun.

Speaking on behalf of the foundation, Van de Weghe said, “The medal is a symbol of the bond of friendship between America and France and the extraordinary connection between two of the greatest heroes of the Eighteenth Century, George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. There are only two places where this treasure belongs, Mount Vernon and Château La Grange, and we are thrilled to have been able to save it for the public.

“The medal will be on view in the bedroom of the Marquis de Lafayette at Château La Grange, and we would be happy to work with Mount Vernon in the future to arrange for its exhibition at Washington’s home in Virginia.”