1859 Yellow Bronze Medal Baker-325D, Mint Cabinet Memorial

Coin Details

Description

The 1859 medal Baker-325D in yellow bronze commemorates the Mint Cabinet Memorial at the United States Mint in Philadelphia. The "D" suffix in Baker's catalog indicates a specific variety within the Baker-325 series, distinguished by the yellow bronze composition that gives the medal a distinctly golden appearance compared to the standard reddish-brown of conventional bronze. Yellow bronze — an alloy with a higher proportion of zinc than standard bronze — was occasionally used for commemorative medals when a brighter, more lustrous appearance was desired. The Mint Cabinet Memorial medal celebrated the numismatic collection housed at the Philadelphia Mint, which was one of the earliest public museums in the United States and served as a destination for both serious collectors and curious visitors. Baker-325D represents the intersection of two collecting fields — Washingtoniana and Mint-related medals. The U.S. Mint produced numerous medals for sale from its Philadelphia facility, and these Mint-issued pieces carry a special cachet among collectors due to their official provenance. The yellow bronze variant is distinguished from other Baker-325 strikings by its distinctive color and alloy composition, making it a recognizable variety even without close examination.

Rarity Notes

Yellow bronze variant (Baker-325D). Less common than standard bronze or white metal versions. Mint Cabinet medals are a recognized subcategory of both Washingtoniana and U.S. Mint medal collecting.

Cross References

Baker-325D; PCGS #525410; Mint Cabinet Memorial