Presented here is a modern (circa 1980s) restrike of the 1886 Statue of Liberty Dedication Medal. The restrike was struck by Medallic Art Company (MACO) which was located in Danbury, CT at the time.
The original medal was designed by Anthony De Francisci. Two versions exist: one was engraved by
Charles Barber, the other by diesinker Robert Lovett. The medal shown is a restrike of the
Charles Barber version; one distinguishing characteristic: the Lovett variety does not have the "A" in front of "BARTHOLDI" under the portrait. Most of the original medals were struck in white metal, though a small quantity was also struck in bronze.
The originals were available for purchase as souvenirs at the time of the statue's dedication in 1886; many were holed and suspended as part of a hanging badge.
The restrike was produced at the time of the Statue's Centennial in 1986. It is a bronze medal with a diameter of 2-5/16" and weight of 110 grams.
The obverse features a right-facing portrait of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi with "A BARTHOLDI" below the portrait and "A GIFT OF THE FRENCH REPUBLIC" and "TO THE UNITED STATES" flanking it. "PRESENTED JULY 4, 1884" is seen at the top with two laurel branches tied together with a bow framing the bottom. Bartholdi was the designer/sculptor of the Statue of Liberty.
On the reverse,
Liberty Enlightening the World takes center stage on Bedloe's Island (now named Liberty Island) in New York Harbor. "COMMEMORATIVE MONUMENT OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE" caps the Statue of Liberty at the medal's top rim with 38 stars tracking just below the inscription. "ERECTED 1886" is included below the statue at the medal's bottom rim.
(Note: The United States had 38 States in 1886.)My example was purchased via
ebay several years ago, and, based on its original packaging, appears to have possibly been available at the Statue of Liberty Gift Shop on Liberty Island. I wonder if the operators of the gift shop sponsored the piece?
Statue of Liberty Dedication Medal: Restrike
Statue of Liberty Dedication Medal: Restrike - Original Box Lid
For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, see:
Commems Collection.
Posted 07/24/2022 11:24 am
