No Date Medal Martin Van Buren Type 2

Coin Details

Description

This undated bronze medal represents the Type 2 version of the Martin Van Buren presidential medal, featuring a different die combination from the Type 1 issue. The Type 2 designation reflects modifications to either the portrait or reverse die that distinguish this striking from earlier production, while maintaining the same basic design elements — Van Buren's bust on the obverse and the Peace and Friendship motif on the reverse. Die changes in the presidential medal series occurred for various practical reasons: original dies wore out from extended use, were damaged during striking operations, or were deliberately modified to improve design elements. Each new die introduced subtle variations in letter positioning, portrait details, or the rendering of the reverse design elements that eagle-eyed collectors and catalogers eventually identified and classified. Van Buren's political legacy extends well beyond his single presidential term. As Andrew Jackson's Secretary of State and Vice President, he helped organize the Democratic Party into a national political force. His unsuccessful third-party presidential candidacy in 1848 on the Free Soil ticket — opposing the expansion of slavery into western territories — demonstrated the anti-slavery sentiment that would eventually give rise to the Republican Party. The Type 2 medal provides collectors pursuing comprehensive presidential medal sets with an additional variety to acquire, adding depth to their Van Buren representation beyond a single example.

Rarity Notes

Common. Standard Mint production for collectors. The Type 2 variety is comparably available to Type 1, with both appearing regularly on the secondary market.

Cross References

PCGS #509790; Type 1: PCGS #408680; Julian PR-6