1973-P Medal D1973-3g, Gilt-Bronze 38mm Jim Thorpe Memorial

Coin Details

Description

Swoger catalog number D1973-3g. This 38mm gilt-bronze medal was struck at the United States Mint in Philadelphia as a memorial to Jim Thorpe. The gilt-bronze composition — bronze with a gold-toned surface treatment — gives this medal a warm golden appearance distinct from both the standard bronze and silver issues. Thorpe's remarkable life story has been celebrated in numerous ways: the 1951 film "Jim Thorpe — All-American" starred Burt Lancaster, the town of Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, renamed itself Jim Thorpe in 1954 to serve as his burial site, and he has been honored with postage stamps and numerous halls of fame. His Olympic gold medals were finally restored posthumously in 1983, thirty years after his death. The Swoger catalog (D-series), compiled by Tom Swoger, documents modern U.S. Mint commemorative medals from 1956 onward.

Rarity Notes

Gilt-bronze composition — an uncommon surface treatment for U.S. Mint medals. The gold-toned finish enhances visual appeal. Exact mintage not separately reported.

Cross References

PCGS #76140; Swoger D1973-3g