1837 Bronze Medal J-PR-6, Martin Van Buren

Coin Details

Description

This bronze medal honoring Martin Van Buren is cataloged as Julian PR-6, placing it among the earliest numbered entries in the Julian presidential medal series. The dies were produced through a collaboration between Moritz Furst, who engraved the obverse portrait, and Christian Gobrecht, who contributed to the production during his tenure at the Philadelphia Mint. The 1837 date corresponds to Van Buren's inauguration as the eighth president. The obverse features Van Buren's likeness in a right-facing bust, capturing the elegant personal style that earned him the nickname "The Little Magician" and "Old Kinderhook." The reverse carries the Peace and Friendship design that was standard for the presidential medal series of this era, maintaining the visual continuity established with the Jefferson medal decades earlier. Van Buren's presidency (1837-1841) was dominated by the Panic of 1837, one of the worst economic depressions in early American history. His response — establishing the Independent Treasury system to separate government finances from private banking — was innovative but unpopular, contributing to his defeat in the 1840 election. Despite his single-term presidency, Van Buren is recognized as a masterful political organizer who helped build the modern Democratic Party. The bronze composition of this medal indicates a collector or Mint cabinet specimen rather than a diplomatic presentation piece. Julian PR-6 represents Van Buren's formal entry in the presidential medal catalog, and surviving examples from the original striking period are valued by specialists in early American medals.

Rarity Notes

Scarce in original striking. Early bronzed copper examples from the 1830s-1840s are uncommon. Later bronze restrikes are more readily available. The Julian PR-6 attribution applies across multiple striking periods.

Cross References

Julian PR-6; Julian IP-17 (Indian Peace Medal designation)