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 Replies: 11 / Views: 2,546 |
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Valued Member
Canada
192 Posts |
My life has had so many diverse chapters, that at the moment the chapter where this came "on set" is eluding my memory... 17.10 grams (bronze?)   |
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
I've seen a few similar items made from copper. They were most likely souvenirs from Springfield, Illinois.
I don't suppose there's any way to know for sure where it came from unless there is some info. on the rim -- sometimes a company name is stamped on the rim.
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Valued Member
 Canada
192 Posts |
just a plain rim, thanks for the idea though!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2403 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1699 Posts |
Yes - it is the same as the one in the link.
It is part of the Miniature Presidential Medal series that the Mint (Mary Brooks) started in 1970. At this time the full series of Presidential medals was struck in the 3 inch format and sold for around $3 each, or less. They were expensive for many collectors, especially kids. In order to create an item that was historical, yet affordable for the many people that visited the Mint each year, they created the Miniature Presidential Medal series. I believe they sold them for around $0.25 - 0.50.
Each miniature version is 1 5/16 inches in diameter and struck in bronze. These medals were often of low quality, with mushy design details and sometimes lathe lines. Many have grown dark spots or have acquired fingerprints from mishandling. They have been producing this series, almost non-stop since 1970. Today, not all of the medals are produced, however. Additionally, the quality of these medals has increased over the years. Pieces struck since the 1990s often have better details and don't seem to grow spots as much. Theyve reworked the dies on some of the more popular presidents, so there are much better examples (including Lincoln).
It's a great series, if this medal interests you.
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Valued Member
Canada
192 Posts |
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Moderator
 United States
14463 Posts |
A little late to the party, but those are still sold by the US Mint. From youth, I had most of them, and have added the others over last few years.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1499 Posts |
Quote:
A little late to the party, but those are still sold by the US Mint. From youth, I had most of them, and have added the others over last few years. Really? I thought that the mint stopped selling the complete sets of these presidential medals years ago. They still sell some of the single pieces, and oddly enough I don't think that there is one for Obama. I bought a set back in the 1980s when Ronald Reagan was still president. It came with an album, and I still have the sales brochure that was issued by mint director, Donna Pope. I added Bush 41, Clinton and Bush 43 later. These medalets are actually reductions of the presidential medals that the mint issued starting in the 19th century. The 19th century medals, which are generally 70 to 80 mm in diameter and very attractive with a rich mahogany finish. The modern, 20th century medals are made in the "yellow bronze" format and are not nearly as nice. The mint has discontinued making most of those pieces. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1499 Posts |
Here is an example of the 19th century, full sized version of the Lincoln medal that you have. This piece has a diameter of 76 mm. The obverse, which was designed and made by George Morgan, is considered to be one of the attractive pieces in the series.   |
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Moderator
United States
14463 Posts |
billjones, like I said "From youth.." and that WAS many years ago.  |
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Valued Member
Canada
192 Posts |
BillJones - thanks for the info and great pictures!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1699 Posts |
Interestingly, the 3 inch version of this medal has been struck by the US Mint in bronzed copper (like Bill's), bronze, silver, gold, aluminum, and possibly other compositions (I don't have my Julian reference on hand).
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Replies: 11 / Views: 2,546 |
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Posted 07/25/2016 02:28 am
