"1871" Medal Cunningham 7-070Bz Bronze 45mm Emancipation Proc. Restrike

Coin Details

Description

This 45mm bronze medal cataloged as Cunningham 7-070Bz is a restrike of a Lincoln Emancipation Proclamation medal. The piece commemorates the historic executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, which declared enslaved people in Confederate states to be free. The Cunningham 7-070 die pair is among the larger-format Lincoln emancipation medals at 45 millimeters in diameter, providing substantial space for detailed portraiture and commemorative inscriptions. The "1871" date in quotes indicates this is a restrike produced after the original striking, bearing the catalog date associated with this particular die combination rather than the date of manufacture. Robert Cunningham's comprehensive catalog of Lincoln medals documents the extraordinary proliferation of medallic tributes to the sixteenth president, with emancipation themes comprising one of the most popular and historically significant subcategories. The bronze composition and 45mm size suggest this was intended as a display piece rather than a pocket-carried medalet, suitable for framing or cabinet display.

Rarity Notes

Bronze restrike in the 45mm large-format series. Later restrikes are more available than original strikings, though all Cunningham Lincoln emancipation medals attract collector interest.

Cross References

PCGS #916209; Cunningham 7-070Bz