Scarce Gold Medals Near Melt Value
Collectors in search of scarce gold medals can sometimes find them near melt value, as evidenced by two offerings from the Sydney F. Martin Collection Part VI auctioned by Stack’s Bowers on Aug. 19 and 20.
George Washington American Revolution Bicentennial Medal
Sold for $1,560, a Professional Coin Grading Service Mint State 65 1976 George Washington American Revolution Bicentennial Medal caught the attention of bidders. This 75% gold medal, issued by the Washington State American Revolution Bicentennial Commission and produced by Medallic Art Company, is reported to be #3 out of a mintage of 1,000 pieces. However, it remains uncertain if the full mintage was actually produced.
American-Israeli Numismatic Association American Bicentennial Medal
Another notable piece from the auction was a larger 58.5% gold 1976 American-Israeli Numismatic Association American Bicentennial Medal, also created by the Medallic Art Company. Graded MS-63 by PCGS, this medal fetched $2,400. It is considered quite rare, with the AINA listing examples only in bronze. Similar to the American Revolution medal issue, most of these medals were likely melted, further adding to its scarcity.
Additional Insight on Gold Medal Collecting
When collecting gold medals, it is essential to not only consider the historical significance and rarity of the piece but also its composition and potential market value. Gold medals with intriguing histories or limited mintage numbers, like the ones from the Sydney F. Martin Collection, can offer collectors both numismatic and investment value.
