During the American Revolution, 13 American colonies rebelled against Britain following the British government’s introduction of unwelcome tax levies and restrictions on the rights and liberties of the colonists. The British monarch at the time was George III, the longest-reigning king in British history. Opposed to American independence, he insisted on quashing the rebellion to preserve Britain’s reputation as an international power.       

George Washington, a veteran of the North American campaigns of the Seven Years’ War, was appointed to be the commander of the newly raised Continental Army. Under his vital leadership, the American forces defeated their well-trained adversaries at Trenton (1776), Princeton (1777) and most crucially, Yorktown (1781). Not long after he resigned his commission to Congress, Washington was unanimously voted in as president of the new nation.

Struck to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783).