1976 Silver Medal D1976-4a, Thomas Jefferson Bicentennial

Coin Details

Auction Record

$14 PR68DCAM 09-16-2021 eBay

Description

This sterling silver medal was issued by the U.S. Mint in 1976 as the final installment of the American Revolution Bicentennial commemorative medal series. Thomas Jefferson was the natural choice for the 1976 bicentennial year medal, as the principal author of the Declaration of Independence adopted on July 4, 1776 — the very event the nation's bicentennial celebrations commemorated. The obverse features a portrait of Jefferson with bicentennial inscriptions, while the reverse displays the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission (ARBC) logo. Struck in one troy ounce of .925 sterling silver, the medal combines commemorative significance with precious metal content. The Dusterberg catalog designation D1976-4a identifies this as the silver composition variant of the 1976 Jefferson bicentennial medal. Jefferson's selection for the bicentennial year was deeply appropriate. Beyond authoring the Declaration, he served as wartime Governor of Virginia, Minister to France during the Constitutional Convention, the first Secretary of State, Vice President under Adams, and two-term President whose Louisiana Purchase doubled the nation's territory. His vision of an agrarian republic of educated citizens shaped American political philosophy for generations. Approximately 147,159 silver examples were produced, making the Jefferson bicentennial medal slightly less common than the 1974 Adams issue. The four-medal bicentennial series — honoring George Washington (1973), John Adams (1974), Paul Revere (1975), and Thomas Jefferson (1976) — provided collectors with an attractive set linking the founding generation to the nation's 200th anniversary.

Rarity Notes

Moderately available. Mintage of approximately 147,159 in sterling silver. Originally sold by the Mint at $15. Appears regularly at auction and on the secondary market.

Cross References

Dusterberg D1976-4a; ARBC Bicentennial Medal Series (1973-1976); PCGS #512036