Commems Collection Medals: 1985 Statue Of Liberty Arrival Centennial

I enjoy collecting philatelic-numismatic combinations (PNCs) - collectibles that combine a coin or medal with a stamp (most often a first day cover). Here's one that was issued back in 1985 to help mark the centennial of the Statue of Liberty (more properly - Liberty Enlightening the World) arriving in New York from France.

The obverse of the medal feature a "head shot" of Miss Liberty, an oft-used view for souvenir pieces and similar to the later-issued US platinum coins. Eleven five-pointed stars encircle most of the portrait; they are seen near the rim . Its reverse presents the most famous line from the poem written by Emma Lazarus, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free..." - the poem was written in 1883; fifteen stars encircle the quotation. The medal thus features a total of 26 stars. Neither the 11 obverse stars, 15 reverse stars nor 26 total stars recalls any symbolic meaning tied to 1885 - the centennial year being marked by the set.

The first day cover included in the set features a stamp that includes a portrait of Auguste Bartholdi, the statue's designer-sculptor, and a cross-harbor view of the Status of Liberty (Scott US 2147). The stamp was issued was issued on July 18, 1985.

The statue was originally constructed in Paris, then dismantled, crated and delivered to the US for reconstruction. The 214 wooden crates containing the 350 pieces of the statue arrived in New York City on June 17, 1885 aboard the French steamer Isère.

The crates sat largely undisturbed for more than nine months while construction on its base and pedestal was completed. Work on reassembling the Statue began in April 1886. It was dedicated on October 28th on Bedloe's Island in New York Harbor; today, the island is known as Liberty Island. The 100th anniversary of its 1886 dedication was the primary focus of the Statue's centennial anniversary celebrations, but the 1885-1985 anniversary was also worthy of acknowledgement and commemoration.

The two individual elements of the set were housed in a navy blue vinyl case with an interior pocket for each piece; only the front of each piece was visible unless it was removed from its pocket.

To add to the collectiblity of the set, the FDC and the medal (at least its frame) had matching serial numbers. The number on my set - "00911" - would appear to indicate that a minimum of 10,000 sets were planned/expected to be sold. While this is certainly possible - SoL centennial souvenirs were quite popular at the time - the general market availability (lack thereof) of the combination set suggests a lower final distribution figure.

1985 Philatelic-Numismatic Combination Set


1985 Philatelic-Numismatic Combination Set - First Day Cover


1985 Philatelic-Numismatic Combination Set - Medal Card



1985 Philatelic-Numismatic Combination Set - Medal


1985 Philatelic-Numismatic Combination Set - Info Leaflet - Outer Panels


1985 Philatelic-Numismatic Combination Set - Info Leaflet - Inner Panels


Full Text of Lazarus' Poem - "The New Colossus"

The New Colossus

"Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"


For other of my commemorative coin and medal posts, check out: Read More: Commems Collection.