1972-P Bronze Medal D1972-1b, Roberto Clemente Large

Coin Details

Description

Swoger catalog number D1972-1c. This standard-size bronze medal was struck at the United States Mint in Philadelphia as a memorial to Roberto Clemente. Clemente's death at age 38 on New Year's Eve 1972 shocked the sports world — the DC-7 cargo plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean shortly after takeoff from San Juan, Puerto Rico, overloaded with relief supplies for earthquake victims in Managua, Nicaragua. Clemente had personally organized the relief effort after learning that supplies from earlier shipments were being diverted by corrupt officials. His career batting average of .317, four National League batting titles, and two World Series championships established him as one of baseball's greatest players, while his humanitarian work and tragic death elevated him to iconic status. The Swoger catalog (D-series), compiled by Tom Swoger, documents modern U.S. Mint commemorative medals from 1956 onward.

Rarity Notes

Standard-size bronze Clemente medal. Widely distributed and popular with sports collectors. Exact mintage not separately reported.

Cross References

PCGS #76091; Swoger D1972-1c