George Washington's Bejeweled 'Diamond Eagle' Medal On Display
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A priceless object worn by George Washington is now on display at the Museum of the American Revolution. It is the first time on exhibit in Philadelphia.
The Diamond Eagle of The Society of the Cincinnati was presented to George Washington in May 1784 at Philadelphia's City Tavern, just a few blocks away from the museum. It's made out of gold and silver and embedded with nearly 200 diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. It is suspended from a light blue and white ribbon.
"The society of the Cincinnati was formed by the officers of the continental army at the end of the war to preserve their brotherhood and friendship, to memorialize their efforts in the revolutionary war and their membership passed on to their descendants so its a heritage society today its also a educational insinuate that has a major archive and significant objects like this one," said Philip Mead, the director of curatorial affairs and the chief historian at the Museum of the American Revolution.
The Diamond Eagle is on loan from The Society of the Cincinnati It will be on display At the museum through March 3.