1972 Bronze Medal D1973-3c, MACO Transpo '72 Large

Coin Details

Description

Swoger catalog number D1972-1b. This large-format bronze medal was struck at the United States Mint in Philadelphia as a memorial to Roberto Clemente, the legendary Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder who died in a plane crash on December 31, 1972, while delivering earthquake relief supplies to Nicaragua. Born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, on August 18, 1934, Clemente compiled exactly 3,000 hits over his 18-year career, was named National League MVP in 1966, won twelve consecutive Gold Glove Awards, and led the Pirates to World Series championships in 1960 and 1971. He was the first Latin American player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973, with the mandatory five-year waiting period waived in recognition of his humanitarian legacy. The Swoger catalog (D-series), compiled by Tom Swoger, documents modern U.S. Mint commemorative medals from 1956 onward.

Rarity Notes

Large-format bronze Clemente memorial medal. The subject matter makes this highly sought after by both numismatists and sports memorabilia collectors. Exact mintage not separately reported.

Cross References

PCGS #817422; Swoger D1972-1b