1920 Manila Mint Opening Medal - Bronze

Coin Details

Auction Record

$3,500 • MS64RB • 03-06-2019 • eBay

Description

This 1920 bronze medal commemorates the opening of the Manila Mint, the only United States branch mint ever established outside the continental United States and its territories. The Manila Mint was authorized to produce coinage for the Philippine Islands under American sovereignty, and its formal opening was a significant diplomatic and numismatic event attended by Governor-General Francis Burton Harrison and other dignitaries. The medal features a portrait of Woodrow Wilson, the sitting U.S. President, and bears the inscription marking the occasion. Bronze examples represent the most available composition among the Manila Mint Opening Medal series, though all compositions remain scarce given the limited production for this single commemorative event. The medal is cataloged by PCGS as HK-450, placing it within the so-called dollar series of American commemorative medals.

Rarity Notes

Bronze composition, most available of the Manila Mint Opening Medal types. All examples are scarce given the single-event production. Auction record: $3,500 for MS64RB, March 6, 2019 on eBay.

Cross References

PCGS #643971; HK-450; Manila Mint Opening Medal; 1920 Philippine Coinage