Coin vs. Medal ?

Well, at that size it probably weighs in the range 350-375 grams, which would be about 3/4 lb. At a dollar pound its intrinsic value would be about 75 cents.

From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intrinsic_value_(numismatics)

 

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Wrong! If this medal was just a lump of bronze, its intrinsic value would be just that. However, the intrinsic value takes a back seat to the artistic value it has now acquired.

Chris

 

Isn't that what I just said? I'll say it again, the intrinsic value takes a back seat to the artistic value...BUT the intrinsic value is a buck a pound. Please let me agree with you. If you wanted to sell that medal for 10X the intrinsic value, I would jump all over it!

 

No, because the paint has dried.

 

The only medals I can think of that have a monetary value are the silver Swiss Shooting Thalers. They were struck at the same weight and fineness as the 5 Franc pieces, and some did circulate at that value. They are even listed in Krause.

 

He was right. This is basically the melt value vs numismatic value when it comes to coins. The melt or intrinsic value is almost always much lower than what someone could realistically hope to buy something for.

 

Modern coins have a stated value as part its design. Coins are used for commerce.

Modern medals do not have a stated value in their design. Medals commemorate an event, landmark, person, etc... (any selected topic of the sponsor and/or designer).

Medals are also used as awards for accomplishments. Here are a few examples of U.S. Government medals awarded by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Department of Commerce (DoC), Department of the Interior (DoI), and the President of the United States (POTUS). You will have to "earn" these medals to be an original recipient. All manufactured at the Philadelphia Mint.



By the way. From top-to-bottom/left-to-right.

1. CIA Distinguished Intelligence Medal. Frank Gasparro designer.
2. DoC Meritorious Service medal. Frank Gasparro designer.
3. DoI Commendable Service Medal. Gilroy Roberts designer.
4. POTUS (Eisenhower) Appreciation Medal. Frank Gasparro designer.

All medals are in my personal "special Government medal" (sGm) collection.

 

Don't forget legal tender status; a coin is a legal tender instrument as per its govt demarcated ''monetary'' value designated on the coin; medals have no such monetary designation and are thus ''medals'' without legal tender status. The ''intrinsic'' value of a coin/medal is only its metallic melt value and excludes any numismatic/collectible value.

 

Is it a medal or a coin?

I bought this little gem in 1981 for $340.


American Arts Commemorative Series one oz. gold medal - Mark Twain 1981

The medal came in a small black box with a green Certificate of Authenticity.

To purchase the medal, I had to telephone a special number to get the price, then purchase a US postal money order, and mail it the same day.

 

Love it. What great artistry and relief design.

 

Hahaha