No Date Medal Free Academy, NY Gold 35mm

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,400 SP60 03-25-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

This undated gold medal at 35mm was produced as an award for the Free Academy of New York, which later became the City College of New York. Founded in 1847 as the Free Academy, it was the first free public institution of higher education in the United States, offering tuition-free education to New York City residents. A gold award medal from this institution represents the highest academic recognition, presented to outstanding students or faculty. Silver medals occupy a premium tier in the commemorative hierarchy, with their precious metal content signaling special significance and ensuring that recipients and collectors valued these pieces above base metal alternatives. The Free Academy/CCNY produced numerous Nobel laureates, business leaders, and public servants, and gold academic medals from the institution are rare artifacts of its distinguished educational history.

Rarity Notes

Gold 35mm, Free Academy of New York (CCNY). Academic award. Extremely rare in gold.

Cross References

PCGS #810961; Free Academy; City College of New York; CCNY; Gold Academic Award