1862 Medal Martin Van Buren, Robinson Brass

Coin Details

Description

This 1862 brass medal honoring Martin Van Buren was produced by the Robinson firm, one of three metal variants alongside bronze (PCGS #967480) and tin (PCGS #967482). Robinson was among the small die-sinking firms proliferating during the Civil War's small-change shortage. Multiple metal versions served different market segments following Van Buren's death on July 24, 1862. Brass provided an affordable alternative to bronze while maintaining a golden appearance. The medallic commemorative tradition in America accelerated during the centennial celebrations of the late nineteenth century, with the 1876 Centennial Exposition generating an unprecedented number of medallic issues. Institutional support for medal collecting through libraries, museums, and educational programs has helped establish these pieces as legitimate subjects for scholarly research alongside their traditional role as collectible objects. The Robinson series documents both the former president's death and Civil War-era medallic industry practices.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Robinson brass Van Buren memorial medal, 1862.

Cross References

PCGS #967481; Martin Van Buren; Robinson; Brass; 1862