1969-P Matte Silver Medal D1969-2a, 63mm Golden Spike

Coin Details

Description

Swoger catalog number D1969-2a. This 63mm matte silver medal was struck at the United States Mint in Philadelphia to commemorate the centennial of the Golden Spike ceremony at Promontory Summit, Utah. On May 10, 1869, the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads met at Promontory Summit to complete the first transcontinental railroad, linking the eastern and western halves of the United States by rail for the first time. Leland Stanford drove the ceremonial last spike — made of 17.6-karat California gold — as telegraph operators transmitted the word "DONE" to the nation, triggering celebrations from coast to coast. The transcontinental railroad reduced cross-country travel from months by wagon to about a week by train, transforming American commerce, migration, and national unity. The Swoger catalog (D-series), compiled by Tom Swoger, documents modern U.S. Mint commemorative medals from 1956 onward.

Rarity Notes

Large-format 63mm matte silver medal. Silver composition and oversized format make this the premium Golden Spike centennial issue. Exact mintage not separately reported.

Cross References

PCGS #76025; Swoger D1969-2a