Posted 05/15/2014 11:32 am
There is actually plenty of information available about these US Mint medals, but most of it is in books vs. the web.
Here's a quick overview of the series.
The American Revolution Bicentennial Administration (ARBA) sponsored a series of commemorative medals between 1972 and 1976; a distinct design was used for each year. In 1972, only bronze medals were issued; from 1973 through 1976, bronze AND sterling silver medals were issued.
The bronze medals were offered in two packaging options each year: 1) housed in a small black plastic hinged case, and 2) in a philatelic-numismatic cover (PNC) which included a block of four Bicentennial stamps. The medals in the plastic cases are dated for the year of their issue; the medals in the PNCs are not dated.
The bronze medals in the plastic cases sold for $3.50; the medals in the PNCs sold for $5.00. The 1973 silver medals sold for $10 each; the price was raised to $15 each for the 1974 through 1976 issues.
George Washington was featured on the obverse of the medal in 1972, Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams in 1973, John Adams in 1974, Paul Revere in 1975 and Thomas Jefferson in 1976.
The ARBA medals were struck in sterling silver (0.925 fine). The medals weigh 480 grains/1 ounce, so they contain 0.925 troy ounces of pure silver.
All of the medals, bronze and silver, were struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
In addition, the US Mint also struck a National Bicentennial Medal in various compositions and sizes.
The National Bicentennial medals feature the Statue of Liberty on the obverse and the Great Seal of the US on the reverse. The medals were designed by US Mint Chief Sculptor-Engraver, Frank Gasparro.
Here's a list of the sizes available, the metal content and the original selling price:
- 1-1/2" / Bronze / $5.00
- 1-1/2" / Gold-plated Bronze / $15.00
- 1-1/2" / Sterling Silver, Proof finish / 0.925 troy ounce of silver / $25.00
- 3" / Sterling Silver, Antique finish / 7.822 troy ounces of silver / $150.00
- 29/32" (0.906") / Gold, Proof finish / 0.37 troy ounces of gold / $100.00
- 1-5/16" / Gold, Proof finish / 1.167 troy ounces of gold / $400.00
- 3" / Gold, Proof finish / 13.18 troy ounces of gold / $4,000.00
Hope that helps!
Here's a quick overview of the series.
The American Revolution Bicentennial Administration (ARBA) sponsored a series of commemorative medals between 1972 and 1976; a distinct design was used for each year. In 1972, only bronze medals were issued; from 1973 through 1976, bronze AND sterling silver medals were issued.
The bronze medals were offered in two packaging options each year: 1) housed in a small black plastic hinged case, and 2) in a philatelic-numismatic cover (PNC) which included a block of four Bicentennial stamps. The medals in the plastic cases are dated for the year of their issue; the medals in the PNCs are not dated.
The bronze medals in the plastic cases sold for $3.50; the medals in the PNCs sold for $5.00. The 1973 silver medals sold for $10 each; the price was raised to $15 each for the 1974 through 1976 issues.
George Washington was featured on the obverse of the medal in 1972, Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams in 1973, John Adams in 1974, Paul Revere in 1975 and Thomas Jefferson in 1976.
The ARBA medals were struck in sterling silver (0.925 fine). The medals weigh 480 grains/1 ounce, so they contain 0.925 troy ounces of pure silver.
All of the medals, bronze and silver, were struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
In addition, the US Mint also struck a National Bicentennial Medal in various compositions and sizes.
The National Bicentennial medals feature the Statue of Liberty on the obverse and the Great Seal of the US on the reverse. The medals were designed by US Mint Chief Sculptor-Engraver, Frank Gasparro.
Here's a list of the sizes available, the metal content and the original selling price:
- 1-1/2" / Bronze / $5.00
- 1-1/2" / Gold-plated Bronze / $15.00
- 1-1/2" / Sterling Silver, Proof finish / 0.925 troy ounce of silver / $25.00
- 3" / Sterling Silver, Antique finish / 7.822 troy ounces of silver / $150.00
- 29/32" (0.906") / Gold, Proof finish / 0.37 troy ounces of gold / $100.00
- 1-5/16" / Gold, Proof finish / 1.167 troy ounces of gold / $400.00
- 3" / Gold, Proof finish / 13.18 troy ounces of gold / $4,000.00
Hope that helps!
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