1925 Norse Medal Die Trial - Brass, Oversize Planchet

Coin Details

Description

This brass die trial of the Norse American Medal was struck on an oversized planchet, leaving a wide plain border around the design. When a coin or medal is struck on a planchet larger than the die diameter, the excess metal forms a wide, unstruck border around the design — a characteristic that immediately distinguishes this piece from regular production strikes. The oversized planchet was used deliberately to test how the dies performed without the confinement of a collar, or it may simply have been the most convenient blank available when a die test was needed. The brass composition further separates this from the silver production medals, confirming its status as a trial piece rather than a presentation striking. James Earle Fraser's Viking chieftain on the obverse and Viking ship on the reverse are both fully impressed within the center of the planchet, surrounded by the broad plain border created by the excess metal. This piece provides an unusual perspective on Fraser's artistry by showing the complete design in a format never intended for distribution.

Cross References

Norse American Medal (1925); brass oversize planchet variant