Cornwallis gave up Yorktown on October 19, 1781, and a century later Philadelphia medalist Peter L. Krider struck this 51mm centennial medal to mark the date. Cataloged as Baker-452C, the white metal striking was produced in modest numbers for the 1881 anniversary observances in Virginia. Medals from that celebration were handled, cleaned, or simply worn down over the years, so pieces that remain in Mint State are not easy to locate.

The obverse carries conjoined busts facing right, with George Washington in the foreground and a fellow Revolutionary commander behind him, ringed by the legend CENTENNIAL YORKTOWN VA and the date 1881. Krider cut the hair and drapery in sharp relief, while the lettering stands bold against even fields. On the reverse, ranks of soldiers with raised pikes and flags stand before a mounted officer as the surrender takes place. The exergue reads OCT. 19. 1781 beneath the engraver's signature, P.L. KRIDER PHILA.

NGC graded this medal MS-62, with reflective fields and soft frost across the raised devices. The surfaces show the light gray cast typical of white metal, along with scattered contact marks that account for the grade. Eye appeal holds up well for a large soft-metal striking, since the design is fully brought up and the rims are free of the heavy bruises often seen on pieces this size. A welcome addition to any collection of Washington medals or American Revolution commemoratives.

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