Unique circa 1930s Restrike of 1882 Pennsylvania Bi-Centennial Mint Officers US Mint Medal / So-Called Dollar (HK-139, Julian CM-41)
Lot Description
A unique circa-1930s U.S. Mint restrike of the 1882 Pennsylvania Bi-Centennial "Mint Officers" medal, graded NGC MS66.
The Specimen
Pennsylvania Bi-Centennial "Mint Officers" medal, Type II restrike
- Catalog
- HK-139Julian CM-41
- Maker
- U.S. Mint
- Date
- 1882; struck circa 1930s
- Grade
- NGC MS66
- Census
- Unique
Images courtesy of NGC.
The US Mint struck So-Called Dollar medals for the 1882 Pennsylvania Bicentennal are rare and noteworthy, with only a few specimens of the two types being known. Even more rare than the originals is the circa-1930s Type II “Mint Officers” medal (HK-139, Julian CM-41) which is unique.
It is graded NGC MS66 and unique in the NGC census. A discussion with noted So-Called Dollar and US Mint medal experts including Jeff Shevlin, Jonathan Brecher, Bob Jesigner and others, as well as a search of auction archives turned up no other specimens.
The circa-1930s estimate for the restrike date was made by comparing the surface finishes with dated US Mint medals and discussed with noted US Mint medal collectors.
While there is no information is available on why this medal was struck, it is very noteworthy as a unique US Mint medal and So-Called Dollar.
Pedigree
The only identified owner for this piece is So-Called Dollar collector John C. Wang, the author. The author’s commentary is below:
When this appeared, I picked it up as I wanted to be able to document and research it’s rarity. The U.S. Mint medals for the 1882 Pennsylvania Bicentennial are very meaningful as Pennsylvania is the home to Philadelphia, considered the not only the ‘Birthplace of America’ but also home to the U.S. Mint, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell. The medal has a wonderful look to it with antiqued surfaces and strong, brilliant rim. While some U.S. Mint medals have been restruck at large volumes, it is notable that this piece is not only unique but of a rare medal itself. One can imagine U.S. Mint employees deciding to strike one of these while striking restrikes of the smaller and much more common 26mm Julian CM-42 medal.
Event Background
Hibler & Kappen notes that the medals were struck to commemorate the 200th anniversary of founding of Pennsylvania which was organized by the Bicentennial Association of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.* The event was held from October 22nd to the 27th in Philadelphia. The three US Mint medal die pair all indicate the October 24, 1882 date.
Of note, Internet searches do not return results for a “Bicentennial Association of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania”, however a “Bi-centennial Association of Pennsylvania” is well represented, as the organization is author of the book titled “Historical Sketches, Illustrations of Philadelphia and Official Programme of Entertainments Connected With the Bi-Centennial Celebration of the Founding of the Commonwealth of Penn’a - On the Days of October 22d, 24th, 25th, 26th, and 27th, at Philadelphia”.
Medal Information
The 1883 Pennsylvania Bicentennial Mint Officers medal shares an obverse designed by George Thomas Morgan with a handful of other medals and lists the following Mint Officers:
- A. Loudon Snowden - Superintendent
- Jacob B. Eckfeldt - Assayer
- James C. Booth - Melter and Refiner
- Oliver C. Bosbyshell - Coiner
- Charles E. Barber - Engraver
Of note, Charles Barber is listed as he was the Chief Engraver, but the engraving for the specific medal was done by George T. Morgan.
Additional Images
The following photos are courtesy of NGC from their PhotoVision and certificate verification services.
Photos courtesy of NGC.