1986 Bronze Medal Aaron Copland 76mm American Composer

Coin Details

Description

This 1986 bronze medal at 76mm honors Aaron Copland, the American composer widely regarded as the defining voice of American classical music in the twentieth century. Copland's compositions — including "Appalachian Spring," "Fanfare for the Common Man," "Rodeo," and "Billy the Kid" — created a distinctly American orchestral sound that drew on folk melodies, jazz rhythms, and the vast landscapes of the American West. The 76mm bronze format is the U.S. Mint's standard for large commemorative medals, providing a substantial canvas for portrait and design elements. Medal collecting has experienced renewed interest in recent decades as numismatists have recognized these pieces as historical artifacts deserving the same scholarly attention given to coins and currency. Copland's influence on American music extends beyond his own compositions through his teaching, conducting, and advocacy for contemporary American composers.

Rarity Notes

Bronze 76mm. Aaron Copland, American Composer series. U.S. Mint large format medal.

Cross References

PCGS #932504; Aaron Copland; American Composer; 76mm