1920 Manila Mint Opening Medal - Bronze Reverse Die Trial

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,640 MS63BN 08-21-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1920 bronze reverse die trial is a numismatic rarity from the Manila Mint Opening Medal series. Die trials are test impressions struck from medal dies to verify the quality and alignment of the engraving before full production begins. This piece was struck using only the reverse die, resulting in a uniface impression that shows the reverse design without the obverse Wilson portrait. The existence of this die trial confirms that the Manila Mint Opening Medal dies were tested in the traditional manner before striking commenced. As a die trial rather than a finished medal, this piece provides insight into the production process for Philippine commemorative medals under American sovereignty. Originally cataloged under a different title referencing the Wilson bronze composition, this piece has been correctly identified as a reverse die trial rather than a standard production strike.

Rarity Notes

Die trial impression, extremely rare. Only a handful of examples exist from the testing process. Far scarcer than the standard bronze production strikes.

Cross References

PCGS #410632; Manila Mint Opening Medal Die Trial; HK-450 related