1920 Manila Mint Opening Medal - Gold

Coin Details

Auction Record

$66,000 MS62 01-21-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1920 gold medal is the most prestigious composition in the Manila Mint Opening Medal series, struck to commemorate the opening of the Manila Mint in the Philippine Islands. Gold examples were produced in extremely limited quantities, reserved for presentation to the most senior dignitaries attending the opening ceremony, including Governor-General Francis Burton Harrison and members of the Philippine Legislature. The medal features the same dies as the silver and bronze versions, bearing a portrait of President Woodrow Wilson, but the gold composition elevates this piece to the highest tier of Philippine-American commemorative numismatics. The Manila Mint operated from 1920 until its capture by Japanese forces in 1942, producing Philippine coinage during the American colonial period and briefly during the Commonwealth era.

Rarity Notes

Gold composition, rarest of the Manila Mint Opening Medal types. Have been produced in single-digit quantities for presentation purposes only. Extreme rarity in all grades.

Cross References

PCGS #510535; Manila Mint Opening Medal, Gold; HK-449 related