NNP Encyclopedia data is provided in cooperation with Whitman Brands, based on catalog data organized by the Greysheet Identification System (GSID).
Entry Details
PCGS Number: 9451 Coin Date: 1925 Denomination (Short): Medal Denomination (Long): Medal Variety: Norse American Variety 2: Thin Desg: MS Composition: Silver Strike Type: Business Coinage Type: Classic Commemorative Coinage Years: 1892-1954 Mint Location: Philadelphia Fineness: 0.9 Designer: James Earle Fraser Edge: Plain Obverse Description: Viking warrior in horned helmet with sword and shield advances from dragon ship, inscription NORSE AMERICAN CENTENNIAL above, dated 1825 - 1925 in the field. Reverse Description: Dragon ship sailing right under four-line inscription, AUTHORIZED BY / CONGRESS OF THE / UNITED STATES / OF AMERICA with date of Leif Erikson's discovery below, A.D. 1000. General Notes: This non-monetized silver medal is one of the most popular medallic pieces issued by the Philadelphia Mint. The piece, honoring the 100th anniversary of the landing of the Norwegian ship <i>Restauration</i>, was originally intended to be a commemorative half dollar honoring the many Norwegian settlers the ship brought to America. However, the effort to approve a commemorative half dollar to that effect was quickly upended in Congress as several other commemorative coins were authorized and issued that year.
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The coin’s champion, Minnesota Congressman Ole J. Kvale, instead opted for a medal, which was more likely to gain Congressional approval. Upon its striking, some 33,750 of the octagonal silver medals were struck on thick planchets, whereas only 6,000 were produced on thin planchets, making the latter the far scarcer type. PCGS #: 9451 NGC ID: 28NA
