1862 Tin Medal Martin Van Buren, Robinson

Coin Details

Description

This 1862 tin medal by Robinson honoring Martin Van Buren is the most affordable version in the three-metal series alongside bronze (PCGS #967480) and brass (PCGS #967481). Tin was the cheapest medal material for broadest distribution. Tin medals are prone to "tin pest" — crystalline degradation in cold conditions — making surviving examples potentially scarcer than original production numbers suggest. The American medallic tradition draws on European precedents while developing distinctly national characteristics, with medal producers from the U.S. Mint to private firms creating pieces that reflect American values and commemorative practices. The digital documentation of medal collections through high-resolution photography and online databases has expanded research capabilities and made attribution resources available to a broader audience of collectors and scholars. The Robinson firm's production in three metals followed standard nineteenth-century practice of offering commemoratives at multiple price points.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Robinson tin Van Buren medal, 1862. Tin medals are fragile, reducing survival rates.

Cross References

PCGS #967482; Martin Van Buren; Robinson; Tin; 1862