1836 Silver Medal J-MT-21, First Steam Coinage

Coin Details

Auction Record

$21,600 MS65 04-03-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

This silver version of Julian MT-21 commemorating the first steam coinage at the Philadelphia Mint in 1836 represents one of the more prestigious formats in which this important medal was produced. Silver strikings of Mint medals were typically produced in smaller quantities than their bronze counterparts and were often reserved for presentation to government officials, foreign dignitaries, or other distinguished recipients. The precious metal composition elevated this medal from a commemorative souvenir to a formal presentation piece worthy of institutional exchange. The obverse presents the steam coinage commemoration with the same design used across all metal variants of the MT-21 medal. The event itself transformed American coinage production, replacing the labor-intensive hand-striking process with mechanized power that would enable the Mint to meet the growing monetary demands of an expanding nation. The timing proved fortunate, as the California Gold Rush just thirteen years later would have overwhelmed the Mint's capacity had it still relied on hand-operated presses. The reverse carries the Julian MT-21 designation and commemorative text. The silver composition identifies this as a premium striking, with the intrinsic value of the metal adding to the medal's significance as both a numismatic object and a historical document. Silver versions of Mint medals from this era are consistently scarcer than their bronze counterparts, as production runs were smaller and the precious metal content encouraged melting during periods of high silver prices.

Rarity Notes

Silver striking, Julian MT-21. Scarcer than bronze versions. Presentation-quality production in limited quantities.

Cross References

PCGS #592053; Julian MT-21; First steam coinage 1836; Silver variant