Bronze Medal 1971 First Coinage, Coin from United States - detailed information

The U.S. Mint’s bronze medals occupy a distinctive space in American exonumia, blending commemorative artistry with precious metal craftsmanship. Authorised under the Treasury’s authority to produce “list medals,” these works honour historical events, cultural milestones, and influential figures. While not legal tender, they serve as enduring tributes to national heritage, often featuring allegorical designs, iconic landmarks, or portraits of pivotal individuals. Their production adheres to the same standards as circulating coinage, often using archival engravings combined with modern minting techniques to ensure precision and aesthetic impact.

Official medals trace their roots to diplomatic necessities and national commemoration, predating the formal establishment of the U.S. Mint or even the United States as such. While the U.S. Mint was officially created by the Coinage Act of 1792, the earliest federal medals emerged from various diplomatic efforts, such as the 1782 Continental Congress peace medals-commissioned during the Confederation period to foster alliances with Native American tribes. Since the 1860s, commemorative and collector medals became popular, with the U.S. Mint now issuing a large variety in gold, silver and bronze.

This medal was released in 1971 at the U.S. Mint Exhibit at the ANA Convention. Its obverse displays a portrait of George Washington by Pierre Simon Duvivier, reused from 1789 Peace Medal and adapted by Frank Gasparro, who also engraved the reverse.

The obverse design was later used for a Bicentennial bronze medal marking 200 years of the Philadelphia Mint in 1992, and for a Bicentennial silver medal marking 200 years of U.S. coinage in 1993. In 2025, the design was re-issued in what seems to be a re-cut version.