2009 was a banner year for anyone interested in the 16th President of the United States, and especially for those who collect coins. The four newly designed 2009 Lincoln Cents and the two Bicentennial Lincoln Silver Dollars were huge hits.
2010 promises to be exciting as well for collectors with the new 2010 Lincoln cent expected to be released within several weeks and the 2010 Lincoln Presidential $1 Coin set for launch in November.
Another unique item available from the United States Mint right now is the Abraham Lincoln Bronze Medal.
The Presidential Medals have played an important role in the history of the United States. The tradition of producing them started in 1801, when the US Mint created large silver peace medals with an image of the current president to be given to American Indians as they were encountered in the frontier.
This idea was not completely original however, as the powers of Europe had been creating medals with images of their royalty to be used for diplomatic purposes for many years.
The famed explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, had a large supply of the US silver medals on their expedition to the Pacific coast. Occurring between 1804-1806, the medals featured an image of President Thomas Jefferson. Lewis and Clark would use these Jefferson Indian Peace Medals as an offering of friendship to the Indian chiefs and warriors they would encounter.
The tradition of producing these “Indian Peace Medals” continued until 1869, when the term used to describe them changed to Presidential Medals. The obverse continued to bear a portrait of the current president, but the reverse no longer carried symbols of peace and friendship.
Instead, the reverse had the inaugural dates of the president, excerpts from their speeches, presidential symbols and seals, their terms of office or other comments relative to their administration. This design template has continued to this day, although the medals are now made out of bronze (90% copper and 10% zinc).
Abraham Lincoln Medal design
The heads side of the current medal honoring Abraham Lincoln features his image with "ABRAHAM" to the left, and "LINCOLN" to the right.
The reverse, originally designed by George T. Morgan, contains a wreath of oak and laurel within a pearled ring. Reverse inscriptions include: “INAUGURATED PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES MARCH 4, 1861”, “SECOND TERM MARCH 4, 1865”, “ASSASSINATED APRIL 14, 1865.” Inside the wreath is the Egyptian symbol of eternity and immortality, a serpent with its tail in its mouth.
These medals are struck at the Philadelphia Mint, but without a ‘P’ mintmark. They come in two sizes, 1-5/16 inch and 3 inch, for $3.50 and $38.00, respectively. Each may be ordered directly from the US Mint online store at:
The Lincoln medals may also be purchased by calling the US Mint’s toll-free number, 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
About the United States Mint
The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage. Its primary mission is to produce an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and gold, silver and platinum bullion coins.
How does one date a Lincoln bronze medal. I have the exact same medal as above, but it belonged to my great grandfather. I remember seeing at my grandmother’s house in in the 1940’s so it clearly is not from this new batch. but it is EXACTLY the same.
@O Jansson,
Good point. I have one which my father purchased over twenty-five years ago. I would also like to know its actual age.