1876 Medal CM-11e US Centennial Gilt Copper

Coin Details

Description

This 1876 U.S. Centennial medal in gilt copper, cataloged as CM-11e, is a premium variant of the official Centennial commemorative. The gilt surface — gold plating over copper — gave this medal the visual appearance of gold at a fraction of the cost, making it an attractive choice for collectors and celebrants who wanted something more impressive than standard bronze. The CM-11e catalog suffix identifies the specific metallic variant within the J-CM-11 medal family. Gilding was a common treatment for nineteenth-century presentation medals, providing both visual prestige and corrosion resistance. The 1876 Centennial generated enormous demand for commemorative products, and the various metallic versions of the official medal — bronze, gilt copper, silver, and gold — allowed the U.S. Mint to serve collectors across every price range. Gilt copper versions occupy an interesting intermediate position in the collector market, visually more impressive than plain bronze but significantly more affordable than solid precious metal versions.

Rarity Notes

CM-11e, gilt copper composition. U.S. Centennial 1876. Premium gilt variant. Less common than standard bronze.

Cross References

PCGS #515568; CM-11e; U.S. Centennial Medal, Gilt Copper; 1876