The 1973 Bicentennial Commemorative Sterling Medal was issued by the U.S. Mint to honor the forthcoming Bicentennial or the 200th anniversary of the American Revolution. This medal symbolizes the nation’s journey to independence and the enduring values that defined the early American Republic. It remains a significant item in numismatic collections, reflecting the spirit of the 1970s as America prepared for its Bicentennial celebration.
Design and Features of the 1973 Bicentennial Medal
The 1973 Bicentennial Commemorative Sterling Medal is crafted from sterling silver with a composition of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. It weighs 30.8 grams and features a proof finish, giving it a mirror-like sheen that accentuates its intricate details. The medal is 38.1 mm in diameter, which is the size of a United States silver dollar, making it visually impressive and substantial in one’s hand.
Obverse Design
The obverse showcases bust portraits of two key figures of the American Revolution, Samuel Adams and Patrick Henry. Adams was known as the “Father of the American Revolution” and who advocated for colonial rights and independence. Patrick Henry, remembered for his iconic statement, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” was an influential orator and statesman. Together, they represent the spirit of liberty that inspired the colonies to unite and resist British rule.
Below the portraits are the names of both men, with the designer Richard C. Layton’s initials below Henry’s bust and the mint mark between the two men. The date appears below the portraits and names and is bisected by the American Revolution Bicentennial logo, a white five-pointed star inside a larger red, white, and blue star. Around the upper two-thirds of the medal are the words “AMERICAN REVOLUTION BICENTENNIAL.”
Reverse Design
The reverse features a depiction of the Committees of Correspondence. A messenger on horseback accepts a letter from two men standing on the ground, illustrating the essential role of communication and coordination among the colonies. The inscription, “COMMITTEES OF CORRESPONDENCE TO UNITE THE COLONIES,” emphasizes the critical role these groups played in rallying support and unifying efforts toward independence.
Historical Context and Significance
The 1973 Bicentennial Sterling Medal was part of a series of commemorative items produced in anticipation of the 1976 bicentennial celebrations. It marked the beginning of a wave of bicentennial-themed collectibles, including the 1976 Bicentennial quarter, half dollar, and dollar coins issued by the U.S. Mint. By highlighting people and symbols that were central to the Revolutionary War, the medal underscored the unity and dedication necessary to secure independence from British rule.
During this period, America experienced a surge of patriotism and national pride. The medal, issued three years before the bicentennial, contributed to this renewed interest in the nation’s revolutionary heritage and set a precedent for other commemorative items that followed.
Collectability and Market Value
Like other coins and medals, the medal’s value is influenced by its condition, rarity, and market demand. For numismatists and collectors, the 1973 Sterling Bicentennial Medal holds historical value. Collectors prize it for its association with the American bicentennial and its intricate, high-relief design. The medal was served in a velvet-lined dark blue presentation box commonly accompanied by a certificate of authenticity (COA), which includes a story about its creation, adding to its value.
he 1973 Bicentennial Sterling Medal embodies a proud period in American history and reflects the spirit of independence that characterized the nation’s founding. Whether valued as a collectible or a historical artifact, the 1973 Bicentennial Medal honors American courage, resilience, and unity.
