(1876) Bronze Medal J-CM-15b, U.S. Diplomatic

Coin Details

Auction Record

$6,000 SP66 11-30-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

This bronze medal, cataloged as J-CM-15b, is a variant of the U.S. Diplomatic Medal design with a date attribution of 1876. The "AE" designation confirms the bronze composition. The "b" suffix on the Julian CM-15 catalog number indicates a die variant or restrike distinguished from the original J-CM-15 striking. The Diplomatic Medal was among the first official products of the United States Mint, originally designed for presentation to foreign ambassadors as they concluded their service in America. The 1876 attribution places this production during the Centennial year, when interest in early American history and numismatic artifacts was at a peak. The U.S. Mint produced restrikes of several early medal designs during the Centennial period to meet collector demand generated by the patriotic celebrations. The Diplomatic Medal design, with Washington's portrait and the Great Seal, was among the most requested, and this J-CM-15b variant represents one of the Centennial-era reproductions.

Rarity Notes

J-CM-15b, bronze (AE) composition. Variant/restrike of the Diplomatic Medal. Centennial-era production.

Cross References

PCGS #600362; Julian CM-15b; U.S. Diplomatic Medal Variant, Bronze; 1876