(1869) Silver Medal J-CM-39, Pacific Railroad

Coin Details

Auction Record

$3,360 SP61 01-24-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

This silver medal, cataloged as J-CM-39, commemorates the completion of the Pacific Railroad — the transcontinental railroad completed on May 10, 1869, when the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads met at Promontory Summit, Utah Territory. The transcontinental railroad was the most ambitious infrastructure project in American history to that date, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts by rail for the first time and transforming the American economy, settlement patterns, and national identity. The J-CM-39 catalog designation places this within the Julian Commemorative Medal series, indicating U.S. Mint production or affiliation. The silver composition reflects the significance of the event being commemorated — the linking of the continent by rail was celebrated with the ceremonial driving of a golden spike and was recognized as one of the defining achievements of the nineteenth century. The medal's design captures the triumphant spirit of the moment when east met west, compressing a continent into a journey of days rather than months.

Rarity Notes

J-CM-39, silver composition. Pacific Railroad completion 1869. Limited production. Major historical commemoration. Scarce.

Cross References

PCGS #611201; Julian CM-39; Pacific Railroad Medal, Silver; Transcontinental Railroad completed May 10, 1869